牛頓市馬惠美- community notes 4/1

Here's my weekly update on Newton's community and local government.  Click on any of these titles or scroll through all the notices below. Announcements and Upcoming Events School Department moves forward with relocation of Newton Early Childhood Program Full Council to Meet – Monday, April 1st City Council Committee Reports Now Available School Committee to Meet on Monday, April 1st – Public Hearing on FY2020 Budget City Council Committee Meetings – Week of March 31st City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of March 31st Development Review Team Meetings – Week of March 31st – Lots of Potential Projects on Lexington Street – Auburndale Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested or refer them to my website at amysangiolo.com to subscribe. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo   Announcements and Upcoming Events Dog Licenses:  Time to renew your dog licenses:  All dogs six months old and older must be licensed annually beginning April 1st of each year. More information can be found here. Porchfest 2019:  Today, April 1st, is the last day to register for Porchfest 2019. PorchFest is an afternoon of free music performed outside of people’s homes. Newton now joins the 100+ other cities across the country who hold this every year. This year, Porchfest has been expanded to include not only Auburndale, but also, Lower Falls, and Waban.  More information can be found here. Forum on Vaping:  The Superintendent is hosting a forum on the vaping epidemic among youth on Tuesday, April 2nd, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Newton South High School auditorium.  Attorney General Maura Healey will provide the keynote for the event and medical experts and NPS educators will provide information, insight, and education for families and community members. Mark your calendar and join this very important free event. Go here to RSVP. Newton Open Studios:  Newton Open Studios will host a dessert reception on Wednesday, April 3rd, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Newton Free Library. Dozens of artists will be on hand along with an array of some of the wonderful art and crafts that will be exhibited at the Newton Open Studios locations throughout the City next weekend – April 6-7.  More information about Newton Open Studios can be foundhere. League of Women Voters:  Don’t Just Stand There …Run  – The League of Women Voters will host a workshop for potential candidates, campaign managers, campaign treasurers, and all interested citizens to provide information and advice about political campaigns. The workshop will be held on Thursday, April 4th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Newton City Hall in Room 211. Newton Nomadic Theater:  Newton Nomadic Theater’s newest show, Colder Than Here, starts on April 5th.  More information about the performance, venues, and tickets can be found here. John M. Barry Newton Boys and Girls Club Gala:  The John M. Barry Newton Boys and Girls Club will host it’s annual Gala, Reach for the Stars, this Saturday evening, April 6th at the Club, 675 Watertown Street, from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. More information about the Gala and ticket information can be found here. [back to top] School Department moves forward with relocation of Newton Early Childhood Program The School Department is moving forward with plans to move the Newton Early Childhood Program to the Horace Mann Elementary School. The School Building Committee formed a LE/NECP (Lincoln-Eliot/Newton Early Childhood Program) working group that has held meetings since October 2018 to review options the Feasibility Study. Meeting minutes can be found here. The presentation made to the Design Review Team held on March 27th can be found here. The timeline in the presentation is slightly off.  The April 3rd Public Facilities Committee agenda does not include a public hearing on the proposed Newton Early Childhood Program move toe the Horace Mann Elementary School this week. However, the City’s Design Review Committee does have both the Lincoln-Eliot Elementary School Window Replacement Project and the Newton Early Childhood Program move to Horace Mann (687 Watertown Street) on its April 10th meeting agenda. [back to top] Full Council to Meet – Monday, April 1st The Full City Council will meet on Monday, April 1st at 7:45 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. The Reports Docket can be found here and the New Docket can be found here and the Docket Addendum can be found here. [back to top] City Council Committee Reports Now Available Programs and Services Committee – 3/20/2019 Report:  The Programs and Services Committee voted to approve the following: Appointment of Al Cecchinelli to the Newton Parks and Recreation Commission Approval of date for the Preliminary 2019 Election (if needed) to be September 10th Approval of Charter subcommittee’s recommendation to seek Home Rule legislation to accept Charter subcommittee’s recommended amendments Public Safety and Transportation Committee – 3/20/2019 Report:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee voted No Action Necessary on a request for a discussion with the Principle Group and the Planning Department, Transportation Planning, and Transportation Operations regarding the “Hello Washington Street” vision for transportation on the corridor, specifically in regards to multi-modal mobility and the prospect of reducing lanes from four to three. Public Facilities Committee – 3/20/2019 Report:  The Public Facilities Committee voted to approve the following: Request for a grant of location to install and maintain a main in College Road from a existing gas main in front of #66 College Road in a northerly direction to #72 College Road. This is part of an MWRA water main replacement project. Request to appropriate and expend $129,000 from the Sewer Reserve Fund to install a sewer connection to the Rumford Avenue transfer station for an office trailer at the site Request for an appropriate and expend $500,000 from Free Cash to Rental Vehicles and Regular Overtime for snow and ice removal (NOTE:  Commissioner of DPW  noted there were 24 events, with 47″ of snow and the City has spent $4.79 million for snow and ice removal this year – compared to $7.3 million last year) Request to appropriate and expend $250,000 from the Stormwater Management Fund Surplus Account for the cleaning, inspecting and assessment of a concrete box culvert adjacent to 170 Needham Street that conveys stormwater from the South Meadowbrook drainage basin Request for approval of design/traffic flow changes to certain intersections to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety:  Crafts Street at Walnut Street – bump out and elimination of slip lane Walnut Street at Minot Place – bump out Walnut Street at Lowell Avenue – bump out and elimination of slip lane Waltham Street at Derby and Fairway Drive – bump outs and median island Elliot Street at Linden Street – two median islands Zoning and Planning Committee – 3/25/2019 Report:  The Zoning and Planning Committee voted to approve the following: Appointment and Re-appointment of David Kayserman to the Auburndale Historic District Commission Appointment of Kathryn Cade to the Newton Conservation Commission Technical Amendments to certain provisions of the current Zoning Ordinance Section 1.3.1 The Accessory Apartment overlay districts were retained when the ordinance was updated in 2017 and they should have been removed. Section 4.4.1. Under the 2012 ordinance retail uses were allowed by right in all the BU districts. Multi-family uses were also allowed by special permit. When the new ordinance was transcribed forward in 2017, the new language did not capture this same intent for the residential use so the symbol for Special Permit (SP) has been added to all the BU districts for “residential use, above ground floor” Section 5.1.4.A In the parking requirements for low-income and elderly housing there was a misinterpretation when transcribing to the 2017 ordinance. The word “and” was interpreted and transcribed as “plus” when it actually meant “or”. Therefore, the language is being amended to “1 per 2 low income units or 1 per 4 elderly units”. Section 5.11.4.B. A set of paragraphs define how the eligibility and pricing is determined for rental projects versus condo projects. Staff found that a paragraph had been inadvertently dropped from the section that relates to more than 3 condo projects. The paragraph is being added back. All other items were held. The Report contains discussion of the proposed new zoning ordinance and an update on the Washington Street Corridor Action Plan. Land Use Committee – 3/26/2019 Report:  The Land Use Committee approved the following: Request to withdraw a request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct an attached two-car garage and second floor master suite, creating an FAR of .63 where .53 is allowed and .43 exists at 370 Linwood Avenue Request for a temporary license to hold Nonantum Village Day on June 2, 2019 All other items were held. [back to top] School Committee to Meet on Monday, April 1st – Public Hearing on FY2020 Budget The School Committee will meet on Monday, April 1st beginning at 5:45 p.m. Room 210. The Committee will first meet in Executive Session to discuss the Decter et. al. litigation and then hold a public hearing on the proposed FY2020 Budget. (NOTE: The School Committee took a straw vote at its last meeting and voted 9 – 0 to approve). After the public hearing, the Committee will convene a regular meeting. The agenda includes the following: Superintendent’s Report – Introduce the new Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Public Comment Race and Achievement Update – See Achievement and Opportunity Memo. Achievement and Opportunity: Legacy Scholars and College Transition Presentation , and Achievement and Opportunity:  The Calculus Project Presentation Consent Agreement – Donation to NSHS – See Memo Discussion and Vote on Bus Loop  – 225 Nevada Street – see Memo Discussion of the FY2020 Budget – See Superintendent’s Proposed FY2020 Budget and Superintendent’s Proposed FY2020 Budget Presentation Communications Old Business Adjourn and move to Room 304 for a Special Meeting re:  DESE Data Presentation [back to top] City Council Committee Meetings – Week of March 31st Land Use Committee:  The Land Use Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The agenda includes the following: Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to amend a previously granted special permit to allow restructuring of the parking layout, eliminate 14 parking stalls, and require a waiver of 11 stalls at 2345 Commonwealth Avenue (Marriott Hotel) Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow 4 single-family attached  dwellings in two buildings, allowing single-family attached dwellings with three stories and to allow retaining walls greater than 4′ within a setback at 499 Winchester Street – See Memo from Councilor Leary regarding this proposal Programs and Services Committee:  The Programs and Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda includes the following: Appointment of Yasodhara Paruchuru to the Urban Tree Commission Appointment of Michele Fortez-Cruz to the Urban Tree Commission Request for a resolution to the federal government to adopt a new nuclear policy Request for a prohibition on polystyrene-based disposable food or beverage containers in the City if that packaging takes place on the premises of food establishments within the City Public Safety and Transportation Committee:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205. The agenda includes the following: Request for a one-year license for one new van license for Garden Remedies Request for an update and discussion on implementation of the Passport Parking system Request for discussion of painting bike lanes on major arterials – Beacon, Brookline and Dedham Streets – See Memo from Planning Director Request to amend Section 19-191 to allow the Director of Planning to set the parking meter fees in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Works Public Facilities Committee:  The Public Facilities Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda includes the following: Petition for a grant of location to install small cell wireless facility on an existing utility pole located in the right of way in the vicinity of 132 Adams Street Petition for a grant of location to install small cell wireless facility on an existing utility pole located in the right of way in the vicinity of 262 Beacon Street Petition for a grant of location to install small cell wireless facility on an existing city-owned street light pole located in the right of way in the vicinity of 140 Commonwealth Avenue Petition for main drain extensions in Staniford Street from the property at 65 Staniford Street to the existing sewer manhole at the intersection of Staniford Street and Freeman Street and from the property at 68 Staniford Street to the existing sewer manhole at the intersection of Staniford Street and West Pine Street Request to appropriate and expend $256,000 from the Sewer Fund Reserve for the purpose of funding the Staniford Sewer Extension Request relocation of a portion of an easement from the Trustees of Boston College to the City of Newton for drain lines to reroute a portion of the existing City storm drain beyond the footprint of the planned integrated Science Building Zoning and Planning Committee:  The Zoning and Planning Committee will meet on Thursday, April 4th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205. The agenda will focus on the Washington Street Corridor Action Plan.  See Planning Memo here. [back to top] City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of March 31st Washington Place Liaison Committee:  The Washington Place Liaison Committee will meet on Monday, April 1st at 6:00 p.m. in the Planning Department Conference Room. The agenda is focused on updates on construction of Washington Place. Newton Human Rights Commission:  The Human Rights Commission will meet on Tuesday, April 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda includes the following: Update on Hate Incidents Student Reports related to Human Rights Protocols adopted by NPS Update from an NPS representative HRC Book Club Continued discussion of the Genocide Exhibit Pride – Honoree update and discussion on incorporating more of the community Planning and Development Board:  The Planning and Development Board will meet on Tuesday, April 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205. The agenda includes the following: Presentation and Vote on the FY2020 Annual Action Plan Continued discussion and deliberation of the Northland Development – Request for Zone Change List of Upcoming Meetings Newtonville Local Historic District Commission:  The Newtonville Historic District Commission will meet on Thursday, April 4th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 205. The agenda includes the following: [back to top] Development Review Team Meetings – Week of March 31st – Lots of Potential Projects on Lexington Street – Auburndale The following potential projects/proposals are scheduled to meet with the Development Review Team this week: 15-21 Lexington Street –  Special Permit to allow a 24-unit multi-family dwelling 1160 Chestnut Street –  Special Permit to construct a retaining wall greater than four feet within a setback 28 Wade Street –  Special Permit to extend a nonconforming side setback 344-340 Lexington Street & 76-88 River Street – Special Permit to allow mixed use building containing hotel and multi-family dwelling uses See DRT Snapshot here. [back to top] Here's my weekly update on Newton's community and local government.  Click on any of these titles or scroll through all the notices below. Sad news Blue Ribbon Commission Seeks Public Input Mayor announces Delay in Delivery of Final Zoning Ordinance – Pushed back to 2020 City Council Committee Meetings – Week of March 17th Full City Council to Meet on Monday, March 18th City Council Committee Reports – Now Available City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of March 17th School Committee – Budget Meetings – Monday, March 18th and Thursday, March 21st Development Review Team Meetings – Week of March 17th Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested or refer them to my website at amysangiolo.com to subscribe. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo Sad news On March 15th, former Ward 5 at-large City Councilor Brian Yates passed away. Brian was a a dedicated public servant and a kind, caring, and loyal friend. I will miss him deeply. The wake will be held on Tuesday, from 4 – 8 p.m. at George E. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home at 1305 HIghland Avenue in Needham. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m. at Mary Immaculate of Lourdes. [back to top] Blue Ribbon Commission Seeks Public Input The Blue Commission, appointed by the City Council President, to study compensation for elected officials and make recommendations for possible future amendments to compensation, benefits is seeking public comment from the community. The online questionnaire can be found here. In addition, the commission will hold two sessions for public comment: Wednesday March 27, 7:00 p.m., Newton City Hall, room 204 Tuesday, April 9, 7:00 p.m., Newton City Hall, room 205 You can also forward comments to:  BRC@newtonma.gov Elected Official compensation was last reviewed in 2005. At that time, the recommendations was to raise salaries for all elected officials and provide a process for future increases. The City Council approved an increase in salary for the Mayor, but the Mayor did not accept it. Additional information about the 2019 Blue Ribbon Commission for Salaries, including a list of commission members can be found here. Agendas, reports, and audio can be found here. [back to top] Mayor announces Delay in Delivery of Final Zoning Ordinance – Pushed back to 2020 In a letter addressed to the City Council, the Mayor, with the input of Planning Director, Barney Heath, Council President Marc Laredo, and Zoning and Planning Chair, Susan Albright, has decided to “extend the time of delivery of a final draft zoning ordinance to the City Council to the calendar year 2020. “My decision was made for two reasons.  First, we recently concluded the 1st draft Zoning Redesign ward-by-ward meetings and listened carefully;we know we have considerable work to do on the second draft to ensure we have the right rules in place to direct the future development of our community. Second, we have a sizeable work load in our Planning Department for the rest of this calendar year. This includes important and time-sensitive planning work reviewing the Northland Special Permit application, a Vision Plan and anticipated special permit application for Riverside,updating our inclusionary zoning provisions, developing and presenting a Climate Action Plan, and completing work on the Vision Plan and associated zoning for Washington Street. I am confident the Planning Department can ably complete these initiatives in 2019 if we extend zoning redesign into 2020.” [back to top] City Council Committee Meetings – Week of March 17th Committee of the Whole:  The City Council will meet as a Committee of the Whole with the Chair of Zoning and Planning Committee presiding on Tuesday, March 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber to hear a presentation by the Planning Department on the Washington Street Vision Plan, its fiscal impact, and its use as a city-wide model. The agenda can be found here and a planning department memo can be found here. Programs and Services Committee:  The Programs and Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 20th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda includes the following: Appointment of Albert Cecchinelli to Parks and Recreation Commission Approval of September 20th, 2019 as the Preliminary Election Date Continued Public Hearing on request to seek Home Rule Legislation on the Charter Sub-committee’s recommendations for amendments to the City Charter Public Facilities Committee:  The Public Facilities Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 20th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda includes the following: Request for a grant of location to install and maintain a main in College Road from an existing main in front of #66 College Road to #72 College Road Request to appropriate and expend $129,000 from the Sewer Reserve Fund to install a sewer connection to the Rumford Avenue transfer station for an office trailer at the site Request to appropriate $500,000 from Free Cash for snow and ice removal to Rental Vehicles and Regular Overtime Accounts (not from the Snow and Ice Budget Reserve?) Request to appropriate and expend $250,000 from the Stormwater Management Fund Surplus Account for the cleaning, inspection, and assessment of a culvert located adjacent to 170 Needham Street that conveys stormwater from the South Meadowbrook Basin Request approval for proposed design changes to certain intersections to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in accordance with the complete streets initiative: Crafts Street at Walnut Street – bump out and elimination of slip lane Walnut Street at Minot Place – bump out Walnut Street at Lowell Avenue – bump out and elimination of slip lane Waltham Street at Derby and Fairway Drive – bump outs and median island Elliot Street at Linden Street – two median islands Public Safety and Transportation Committee:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 20th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205. The agenda will focus only on one item: Request for a discussion with the Principle Group and representatives from the Planning Department regarding “Hello Washington Street” vision for the transportation corridor specifically in regards to multi-modal mobility and the prospect of lane reduction from 4 to three. Traffic Council:  The Traffic Council will meet on Thursday, March 21st at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda includes the following: Request for a two-hour parking restriction from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. onPlaystead Road – (Note:  This was held for a trial. No parking, outside side of the “horseshoe”, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., all days. No parking, inside side of the “horseshoe”, all times, all days) Request for an accessible parking space in front of 12 Sutcliffe Park – (Note: the Commission on Disability voted to Deny) Request for the addition of stop signs at the intersections of Dorcar Road, Scotney Road and Tirrell Crescent to create a 4-way stop to address safety concerns Request for parking restriction along Haynes Road between Olde Field Road and Adeline Road during school hours Request for parking analysis of Warren Street for possible changes to parking regulations to make the street safer and easier for trash pick-up and emergency vehicles Request for parking restrictions at Woodcliff Road from Route 9 to #120 Woodcliff Road and Oakdale Road from #147 to #151 Request update of Traffic Parking Regulations to include the full traffic signal located at the intersection of Nahanton and Winchester Request update of Traffic Parking Regulations to include the No Right Turn on Red from Commonwealth Avenue, South Drive, onto Wachusett Road and Hammond Street [back to top] Full City Council to Meet on Monday, March 18th The Full City Council will meet on Monday, March 18th at 7:45 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The Reports Docket can be found here and the New Docket can be found here and the Docket Addendum can be found here. In addition, there are memos for two items under consideration: Memo from Ward 8 Councilors regarding proposed amendment for consideration for the Brown Middle School solar carport installation Memo from Chair of Public Facilities regarding Wireless Application Fee [back to top] City Council Committee Reports – Now Available Land Use Committee Report – March 5th:  The Land Use Committee met on March 5th and voted to approve the following: Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow construction of detached single-car garage where an attached two-car garage exists, to allow greater than 700 sq. ft. of garage space and to allow a retaining wall greater than four feet in height in the setback at 32 Baldpate Hill Road Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow a for-profit school in the existing building at at 739 Beacon Street Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to demolish an existing garage and replace it with a single-car attached garage, library space and a second-story accessory apartment, increasing the FAR to .65, where .44 is allowed and .50 exists at 46 Berwick Road Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow construction of a rear addition to the basement, first-floor, and second floor, increasing the height to 41.56 feet where 41.12 feet exists and 36 feet is allowed and increasing the non-conforming FAR to .42 where .36 exists and .33 is allowed at 45 Hyde Avenue Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to demolish and existing stair and landing at the rear of the structure and constructing a new larger deck and stairs further extending the existing non-conforming side setback at 110 Greenlawn Avenue Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a two-car garage creating more than 700 sq. ft. of garage space and more than one garage at106 Sumner Street Programs and Services Committee Report – March 6th:  The Programs and Services Committee met on March 6th and voted to approve the following: Request to submit a Statement of Interest to the MSBA for consideration of funding for the renovation/addition of Countryside Elementary School, designated as the highest priority for a major project after Cabot Elementary School, and Lincoln-Eliot Elementary School and the Newton Early Childhood Program Request to re-appoint Brooke Foucault Welles to the Human Rights Commission All other items were held. Public Facilities Committee Report – March 6th:  The Public Facilities Committee met on March 6th and voted to approve the following: Request to submit a Statement of Interest to the MSBA for consideration of funding for the renovation/addition of Countryside Elementary School, designated as the highest priority for a major project after Cabot Elementary School, and Lincoln-Eliot Request to appropriate $1,364,006 from bonded indebtedness to pay costs, including incidental and/or related costs of replacing boilers at Bigelow Middle School of which 32% of the cost will supported by the MSBA Request to appropriate $5.6 million from bonded indebtedness to fund the construction of West Newton Square, which includes street and pedestrian improvements, traffic flow upgrades, signal upgrades, parking upgrades and the addition of bike lanes All other items were held. Public Safety and Transportation Committee Report – March 6th:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee met on March 6th and voted to approve the following: Request to appropriate $5.6 million from bonded indebtedness to fund the construction of West Newton Square, which includes street and pedestrian improvements, traffic flow upgrades, signal upgrades, parking upgrades and the addition of bike lanes The Committee voted No Action Necessary on the following: Request for a discussion with Chief of Fire regarding fire building codes for new buildings and stick construction as well as on how the department ensures hydrants are in good working order Finance Committee Report – March 11th:  The Finance Committee met on March 11th and voted to approve the following: Appointment of James Shaughnessy as Director of Assessing Request to submit a Statement of Interest to the MSBA for consideration of funding for the renovation/addition of Countryside Elementary School, designated as the highest priority for a major project after Cabot Elementary School, and Lincoln-Eliot Request to appropriate $1,364,006 from bonded indebtedness to pay costs, including incidental and/or related costs of replacing boilers at Bigelow Middle School of which 32% of the cost will supported by the MSBA Request to amend Section 17-3 of the City of Newton’s Ordinances and adopt the FCC’s presumptively reasonable application fees for wireless attachments and new pole construction and conduct studies of the costs to document the City’s time and expenses regarding these applications Request to amend the non-resident parking permit fee from $25 to better cover the costs and encourage alternatives to driving in parts of the City where demand is high Request to amend Council Order #51-19 to authorize the transfer of $1,250,000 from the Angier Elementary School Project Account to the Capital Stabilization Account to the Accelerated Roads Program Request to amend the FY2019 Budget Council order by increasing Retirement Accounts in both the Sewer Funds Benefits Account and the Water Funds Benefit Account by decreasing Sewer Maintenance and Operation by $188,067 and decreasing Water Maintenance and Operation by $302,283 Request to re-appropriate unspent bond funds for completed projects to new projects (see report for full listing) Zoning and Planning Committee Report – March 11th:  The Zoning and Planning Committee met on March 11th and voted No Action Necessary on a proposed zoning amendment to allow Registered Marijuana Dispensaries and Marijuana Retailers by Special Permit in Limited Manufacturing and Manufacturing Districts.  All other items were held. Land Use Committee Report – March 12th:  The Land Use Committee held a continuation of a public hearing on March 12th to discuss the Northland Development – specifically to hear an overview of the project revisions as they relate to site design, open space and fiscal/economic impacts and receive public comments. [back to top] City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of March 17th Parks and Recreation Commission:  The Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, March 18th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda includes the following: Approval of Minutes – February 25th Meeting Commissioner Reports on Programs, Forestry and Maintenance Information on Nonantum Village Day Public Hearing on St. Mary of Carmen Festival Information on a proposed Sculpture Show on the Upper Falls Greenway Committee Reports Community Preservation Farm Commission – need to appoint a representative Commonwealth Golfcourse Off-Leash Area Working Group Crystal Lake Working Group Athletic Fields Committee NewCAL Policy & Procedure Review Field Naming Board of License Commissioners:  The Board of License Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, March 19th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda can be found here. Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission:  The Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission will meet on Thursday, March 21st in Room 205. The agenda includes the following: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a wall vent cap at 100 Suffolk Road Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace a play structure on the Suffolk Road side at 365 Hammond Street – Church of the Redeemer Request for feedback on a proposed project to replace a one-car garage with a two-car garage and two-story addition at 31 Chestnut Hill Terrace Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to renovate and restore the house and carriage house/gate house, build addition and reconstruct Staff Cottage at400 Beacon Street [back to top] School Committee – Budget Meetings – Monday, March 18th and Thursday, March 21st The School Committee will meet twice this week: Monday, March 18th at 7:00 p.m. at the Ed Center, 100 Walnut Street in Room 210 to review the proposed FY2020 Instructional Budget – Instructional Areas – Elementary, Secondary and Teaching and Learning – see Meeting Notice/Agenda Thursday, March 21st at 7:00 p.m. at the Ed Center, 100 Walnut Street in Room 210 to review the proposed FY2020 Instructional Budget – Non-Instructional Areas – Student Services and Special Education – see Meeting Notice/Agenda There will be no public comments taken at these meetings. The Superintendent’s Proposed FY2020 Budget can be found here. The Superintendent’s Proposed FY2020 Budget Presentation can be found here. [back to top] Development Review Team Meetings – Week of March 17th The following potential projects/proposals are scheduled to meet with the Development Review Team this week (see DRT  Snapshot): 138 Lincoln Street –  Special Permit to further increase nonconforming floor area ratio 31 Chestnut Hill Terrace –  Special Permit to construct attached 2-car garage with living space above, 2-story rear addition 100 Tyler Terrace – Special Permit to increase floor area ratio 146 Jewett Street –  Special Permit to increase floor area ratio (FAR) of, and add dormer to, existing 3-family dwelling [back to top] Here's my weekly update on Newton's community and local government.  Click on any of these titles or scroll through all the notices below. Washington Street Planning – Important Dates – Especially this Wednesday, February 27th at Franklin Elementary School City Council Meetings – Week of February 24th City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of February 24th Development Review Team Meetings – Week of February 24th Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested or refer them to my website at amysangiolo.com to subscribe. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo Washington Street Planning – Important Dates – Especially this Wednesday, February 27th at Franklin Elementary School Washington Street Vision Plan:  Chair of Zoning, Susan Albright released thismemo regarding the status and scheduling of Washington Street Planning. Public Comment Period ends on March 12th. Vision Plan link can be foundhere. First discussion of draft Vision Plan in the Zoning and Planning Committee will take place on March 25th. Washington Street Zoning Code will be discussed at the Franklin Elementary School on Wednesday, February 27th at 6:45 p.m. All are invited to attend and encouraged to provide feedback and comments to the Planning Department. [back to top] City Council Meetings – Week of February 24th Finance Committee:  The Finance Committee will meet on Monday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda includes the following: Proposal to amend Section 17-23(d) of the City of Newton Ordinances to include Overtime parking fines of $15 for metered spaces and non-metered time restricted spaces Proposal to amend Chapter 29, Section 120 (a) Stormwater Use Charge by deleting the current rate structure and replacing it with the following rates:  $100 for 1-4 families and $0.0425 per square foot of impervious surface area  except that if the square footage charge multiplied by the total impervious area of the parcel equals a sum less than $150.00, then the annual fee shall be $150.00 Request authorization to transfer $500,000 from Budget Reserve- Snow and Ice Removal Account to Rental Vehicles and Regular Overtime Re-appointment of Charles Grillo, Jr. as a Constable Request to authorize the Administration to supplement prior bond authorizations and apply bond premiums to the payment of capital project costs in accordance with the Municipal Modernization Act Zoning and Planning Committee:  The Zoning and Planning Committee will meet on Monday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205 and the Council Chamber. Theagenda includes the following: Re-appointment of Kelley Brown to the Planning and Development Board Re-appointment of Daniel Green to the Conservation Commission Progress Report of the Riverside Vision Plan – See Planning Memo Review of the Draft Zoning Ordinance – Planning Department will provide a review of all Districts and present the Build-Out Analysis – See Planning Memo Land Use Committee:  The Land Use Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 26th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The agenda includes the following: Two requests for an Extension of Time to Exercise  a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval: to create two attached dwelling units, allowing waivers to the lot are requirements and lot area per unit requirements, to reduce the side setback requirement, to reduce the lot coverage requirement, to allow a driveway within 10’ of a side lot line and to allow parking within 20’ of a side lot line at 20 Dale Street/19 Simpson Terrace to demolish a portion of the rear dwelling, front porch and detached garage and construct a two-story rear addition and attached garage for more than three vehicles and in excess of 700 sq. ft. increasing the FAR to .28 where .27 is allowed and .19 exists at A request for an Extension of Time to Open a Public Hearing until March 26th to amend a previously approved Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow retail marijuana sales in conjunction with an approved Registered Medical Dispensary and waive requirements such as facade, parking requirements, screening requirements, landscaping requirements, and lighting requirements at 24-26 Elliot Street Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a attached dwelling unit to the existing single-family structure,  reduce lot area, frontage and lot coverage  requirements, to reduce front and side setback requirements and to allow a driveway along the side lot line, requiring an amendment to Variance #99442 at 10 Pillion Court Compliance Review of the Hancock Estates Special Permit Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to convert an existing single-family dwelling to construct a six-unit residential dwelling with, to construct a second three-story 34.5’ residential dwelling with three units, to allow ground floor units and reduction in parking requirements and waivers to other conditions including stall width, aisle width, driveway width, landscape screening and lighting at 424- 432 Cherry Street Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to  allow a 36’ three-story nine-unit multi-family dwelling with accessory parking or nine cars, to allow multi-family residential use on the ground level in a Business 1 District, and allow reductions and waivers to parking requirements, setback requirements, retaining wall heights and screening and lighting requirements at 39 Herrick Road Traffic Council:  The Traffic Council will meet on Thursday, February 28th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda includes the following: Request for a two-hour parking limit including Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., both sides, from Hammond Street to Suffolk Road to deter student and commuter parking – Note: This was held for trial of the following: No parking 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, Kingsbury Road, east side Request for parking restrictions on the northern branch of Waban Avenuefrom #81 to #119 Waban Avenue between Manitoba Road and Crofton Road:  a) No parking, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, on the northern side (residential side) of the northern branch of Waban Avenue,and b) Two-hour parking restriction, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, southern side (reservation side) of the northern branch of Waban Avenue to deter commuter congestion and enhance safety Request for a two-hour parking limit  8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., school days, east side, Paulson Road from Beacon Street to Evelyn Road Requesting for review and changes to  parking duration at the parking meters on Lincoln and Walnut streets in Newton Highlands Request for Resident Parking Only on Roberta Road Request to change parking regulations on Cheswick Road, potentially to include joining the Auburndale resident parking program Request to modify the Traffic and Parking Regulations (TPR) Sec. TPR-145. Traffic-control signal locations, part (a) Traffic control signals shall be placed at the following locations, and part (b) Pedestrian hybrid beacons shall be placed at the following locations, so as to replace the damaged traffic signal on Lexington Street at the Burr School, which is currently listed in part (a) of TPR145, with a pedestrian hybrid beacon at the same location. – NOTE: Chair will request Motion for No Action Necessary. Request to add No Right on Red restrictions into the TPR at the intersection of Church Street at Centre Street [back to top] City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of February 24th Parks and Recreation Commission:  The Newton Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204. Theagenda includes the following: Introduction of New Members Announcement from Peter Johnson Commissioner’s Report on Programs, Forestry and Management St. Mary of Carmen – Informational McGrath Park – Lacrosse Wall Public Hearing Committee Reports: Community Preservation Committee, Farm Commission (appoint a representative), Commonwealth Golf Course, Off-Leash Working Group, Crystal Lake Working Group, Athletic Fields Committee, NewCAL and Policy and Procedure Review on Field Naming Council on Aging and Advisory Board:  The Council on Aging and Advisory Board will meet on Tuesday, February 26th at 7:30 p.m. at the Newton Senior Center, 345 Walnut Street. The agenda includes the following:  General Update from the Director of Senior Services, Housing Group update, NewCal update, Communications Group update, and Transportation Group update. Citizens Commission on Energy:  The Citizens Commission on Energy will meet on Wednesday, February 27th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda includes the following: Presentation of the Draft Climate Action Plan Report of the February 14th meeting with Eversource Newton Free Library Board of Trustees:  The Library Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday, February 27th at 9:00 a.m. in the Trustees Room at the Library. Theagenda includes:  Reports from the President, Treasurer, Library Director, Development, Friends, Committees – Trustees/Friends and Spring Fling, continuing business – Solar Panel project, renovation plan update, and draft 2019-2020 budget, parking discussion, and visitor’s discussion. Newton Zoning Board of Appeals:  The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Wednesday, February 27th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers and Room 207. The agenda will focus on a request for a Variance to increase the lot coverage to 21.75%, where 20% is the maximum allowed per Section 3.1.3 of the Newton Zoning Ordinance, in order to construct a roof over the front porch and a future 55 square foot kitchen addition. Newton Historical Commission:  The Newton Historical Commission will meet on Thursday, February 28th in Room 205. The agenda includes the following: 7 requests for Full Demolitions: Request to demolish a pedestrian bridge over the Charles River (“Springer Bridge”) Request to demolish buildings at 85 Baldpate Hill Request to demolish buildings at 612 Chestnut Street Request to demolish buildings at 128 Highland Street Request to demolish buildings at 44-46 Cook Street Request to demolish barn at 342 Auburndale Avenue Request to demolish buildings at 91-93 Halcyon Road 3 Requests for Partial Demolition: Request to add a second story at 19 Andrew Street Request to demolish a garage and rebuild a larger one at 123 Sumner Street – National Register property Request to add interior garages at 377 Walnut Street – National Register property 3 Requests for Waivers: Request to waive demo delay for partial demolition at 122 Pond Brook Road Request to waive demo delay for 65 Oxford Road Request to waive demo delay for 64 Fuller Street Working Session:  Request to discuss options re:  special permit for 184-186 Adams Street The Staff Memo can be found here and the Packet documents can be found here. [back to top] Development Review Team Meetings – Week of February 24th The following potential projects/proposals are scheduled to meet with the Development Review Team this week: 687 Watertown Street –  Discussion re Site Plan Approval & 5/58 review for relocation of Newton Early Childhood Program (NECP) 40 Williston Road – Special Permit to allow rear lot subdivision [back to top] Mailing address: Amy Mah Sangiolo 389 Central Street Auburndale, MA 02466 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences  Here's my weekly update on Newton's community and local government.  Click on any of these titles or scroll through all the notices below. Sad News – Passing of Reverend Howard Haywood and Linda Plaut Calendar of Remaining Zoning Redesign Meetings City Council Committee Meetings – Week of February 17th Full City Council to Meet on Tuesday, February 19th Development Review Team Meetings – Week of February 17th City Council Committee Reports – Now Available Board and Commission Meetings – Week of February 17th Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested or refer them to my website at amysangiolo.com to subscribe. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo   Sad News – Passing of Reverend Howard Haywood and Linda Plaut It is with heavy heart to inform you about the passing of Reverend Howard Haywood and Linda Plaut. Both gave so much of their hearts and souls to the City of Newton and they will be sorely missed. Sincerest sympathies, love, and prayers go out to their families and friends. Reverend Haywood served as past of the Myrtle Baptist Church. A staunch affordable housing and civil rights advocate, he served on numerous Newton organizations including the Council on Aging, the Newton Community Development Foundation, the Newton Clergy Association, the Newton Human Rights Commission.  Services will be held at the Myrtle Baptist Church, 21 Curve Street, West Newton.  Wake:  Saturday, February 23rd from 4 – 8 p.m. and the Funeral on Sunday, February 24th at 1 p.m. Linda Plaut served as Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Newton, promoting community and cultural events throughout the City. Linda served as Director of the Newton Cultural Council and Director of the Newton Pride Committee. She helped found and run numerous events including Newton’s Harvest Fair, the Festival of the Arts, NewtonServes, Newton Youth Players and the Heartbreak Hill Race. Services will be announced on Tuesday, February 19th here. [back to top] Calendar of Remaining Zoning Redesign Meetings Here’s the calendar for the remaining Zoning Redesign Meetings: Ward 2:  2/28/19 – Newton Senior Center – 345 Walnut Street –  Zoning Map Ward 4:  3/7/19 – Lower Falls Community Center – Gymnasium – 545 Grove Street – Zoning Map [back to top] City Council Committee Meetings – Week of February 17th Finance Committee:  The Finance Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 19th at 7:15 p.m. in Room 205. The agenda includes the following: Request to accept and expend a $19,741.60 Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Proposed Ordinance amendments to Chapter 12, Section 71 by revising the definition of  “reusable bag”, revising the definition for retailers to include establishments of less than 3,500 sq. ft., and adding a 10-cent fee for paper bags provided by the retailer Public Facilities Committee:  The Public Facilities Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda includes the following: Request for an amendment to Section 17-3 of the City of Newton Ordinances adopting the Federal Communications Commission’s presumptive reasonable application fees for wireless attachments and new pole construction and conduct cost studying in the coming months to document the City’s time and expenses regarding these applications Submission of the 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Plan Request for an evaluation of the City’s street sweeping policies and protocols Request authorization to transfer $500,000 from Budget Reserve- Snow and Ice Removal Account to Rental Vehicles and Regular Overtime Programs and Services Committee:  The regularly scheduled meeting of the Programs and Services Committee has been cancelled. Notice of Cancellation can be found here. Public Safety and Transportation Committee:  The regularly scheduled meeting of the Public Safety and Transportation Committee has been cancelled. Notice of Cancellation can be found here. [back to top] Full City Council to Meet on Tuesday, February 19th The City Council will meet on Tuesday, February 19th at 7:45 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The Reports Docket can be found here,the New Docket can be found here and the docket addendum can be found here. [back to top] Development Review Team Meetings – Week of February 17th The following potential proposals/projects are scheduled to meet with the Development Review Team this week: 30 Jacobs Terrace –  Special Permit to allow parking space within five feet of the street 90 Lincoln Street –  Discussion of proposed signage 1188 Chestnut Street –  Special Permit to extend a nonconforming front setback [back to top] City Council Committee Reports – Now Available Land Use Committee – February 5th:  The Land Use Committee met and voted to approve the following: Request for Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to extend the habitable space above an existing attached garage, creating an FAR of .36 where .34 is allowed and .34 exists at 11 Village Circle Request for Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to waive 15 parking stalls, to waive perimeter landscaping requirements of an outdoor play area and to waive perimeter landscaping requirements of a parking facility associated with a day care center in a residential zone to support the proposed day care at 1440-1450 Washington Street Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to convert the existing 2.5 story structure into an eight-bedroom hotel with a ground floor restaurant at1170-1176 Walnut Street Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to convert a two-family dwelling into a three-unit multi-family dwelling by converting the existing attic space, allow parking within 5’ of residential dwelling units, to waive the minimum aisle width requirements, to waive driveway width, and to waive lighting requirements at 20- 22 Circuit Avenue Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow the expansion of a nonconforming multi-family dwelling use by constructing a three-story multi family development 32.6’ in height in a manufacturing district with greater than 20,000 sq. ft. new gross floor area, allowing a nonconforming front setback, to allow a reduction of the requirement for parking to 1.25 stalls per unit, to waive maneuvering space for restricted parking stalls, to allow tandem parking and to allow retaining walls greater than four feet in height in the setback at 182-184 California Street Request for a Class 2 Auto Dealers License for Sonoma Classics, LLC at 1215 Chestnut Street Programs and Services Committee – February 6th:  The Programs and Services Committee voted to approve the following: Re-appointment of Amy Sangiolo (that’s me!), Julia Malakie, and Beth Wilkinson to the Urban Tree Commission Proposed Ordinance Amendments to Chapter 12, Section 71, by revising the definition of “reusable bag” , revising the definition for retailers to includes establishments of less than 3,500 sq. ft., and adding a 10 cent fee for paper bags by the retailer The Committee voted No Action Necessary on proposed amendments to the Plastic Bag Ordinance as it was similar to the item listed above. All other items were held.  NOTE:  There was a substantive discussion regarding the Charter Subcommittee’s Report. See Report. Public Facilities Committee  February 6th:  The Public Facilities Committee voted to approve the following: Request to transfer $500,000 from Budget Reserve – Snow and Ice Removal Account to the following accounts:  Rental – Vehicles and Regular Overtime Request to amend the Stormwater Use Charge Ordinance by deleting the current rate structure and replacing it with the following:  $100 for 1-4 family dwellings and $0.0425 per sq. ft. of impervious surface area, except if the sq. footage charge multiplied by the total impervious area of the parcel equals a sum less than $150, then the annual fee shall be $150 Request authorization to enter into negotiations for the potential lease of 18 municipal and school properties for purposes of third-party construction, ownership, and operation of on-site renewable solar energy generation from which the City will purchase electric output or net metering credits – See Draft Lease Agreement Appointment of Steven Ferry to the Solid Waste Comminssion Public Safety and Transportation Committee – February 6th:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee voted to No Action Necessary on the following: Request amendments to Chapter 24, Section 24-11 Supplemental Traffic Control Detail and amend Section 19-46 to include the new Supplemental Traffic Control Detail appointees The request to end the winter parking ban on select streets in Ward 2 and Ward 3 was held. Finance Committee – February 11th:  The Finance Committee voted to approve the following: Appointment of Michelle Pizzi O’Brien as the Director of Human Resources Submittal of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and external audit reports for fiscal year ending June 30, 2018 Review of the June 30, 2017 Independent Financial Audit Report  (Go here for reports) Request to appropriate and expend $51,168.77 for full and final settlement of claims filed by Roger Counts against the City Request authorization to accept and expend a $20,000 US Food and Drug Administration Grant for the Newton Food Safety Training Video Project * Request authorization to accept and expend a $3,000 US Food and Drug Administration Grant for Environmental Health Specialist Training* Request authorization to accept and expend a $4,000 Mass Housing Finance Authority grant to support activities of the Hoarding Task Force * Request to amend a previously granted Council Order by changing the funding source of $28,804 received from the State as reimbursement for McKinney-Vento Homeless Student Transportation from Revenue 2018 to Free Cash Request authorization to transfer $500,000 from Budget Reserve – Snow and Ice Removal Account to the following:  Rental Vehicles and Regular Overtime All other items were held. Zoning and Planning Committee – February 10th:  All items were held. [back to top] Board and Commission Meetings – Week of February 17th Board of License Commissioners:  The Newton Board of License Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, February 19th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda can be found here. Financial Audit Advisory Committee:  The Financial Audit Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 19th at 8:15 a.m. in Room 211. The agenda can be found here. Board of Assessors:  The Newton Board of Assessors will meet on Wednesday, February 20th at 9:00 a.m. in Room 108. The agenda can be found here. Newton Retirement Board:  The Newton Retirement Board will meet on Wednesday, February 19th at 3:00 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda can be foundhere. Urban Design Commission:  The Urban Design Commission will meet on Wednesday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the Planning Department’s Conference Room. The agenda includes the following requests for sign permits: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services I Commonwealth Real Estate – 250 Boylston Street Chetwynde Healthcare – 1650 Washington Street Salon Artist – 391 Langley Road Request for a Comprehensive Sign Package: Washington Place – 845 Washington Street and 245 Walnut Street Design Review: Gateway Center Facade Lighting Discussion with Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission Chair regarding non-compliant fence Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission:  The Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission will meet on Thursday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205. Theagenda includes the following Requests for Certificates of Appropriateness: Request to install railings at the front entry and mudroom entry at 48 Reservoir Avenue Request to install roof vent cap at 100 Suffolk Road Request to replace existing accessibility ramp and entry porch and install brick walkway at 292 Hammond Street, Boston College Request to amend previously approved plans for house, garage and hardscaping at 45 Old England Road Request to install garage doors and paint house at 41 Chestnut HIll Road Request to modify or replace railings on rear roof area and rear retaining wall at 29 Gate House Road (Violation) Request for feedback on project to construct a new entry porch and covered porch, convert door to a window, and reconstruct and modify a bay window at521 Hammond Street Request to renovate and restore the house and carriage house/gate house, build addition, reconstruct Staff Cottage, and add area for mechanicals at 400 Beacon Street Good Morning Newton Residents,    Here's my weekly update on Newton's community and local government.  Click on any of these titles or scroll through all the notices below. What’s Up for this Week? Announcements City Council Committee Meetings Week of January 6th City Board and Commission Meetings week of January 6th Development Review Team Meetings – Week of January 6th Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo What’s Up for this Week? Check out the Land Use Committee agenda. A number of smaller, scaled development projects seeking special permits – (20 units on California Street, 6 units on Cherry Street and 9 units on Herrick Road).  More banks?  Request to amend a special permit on Needham Street to allow bank use. Recreational Pot Shop on Beacon Street? – Check out the Development Review Team Meetings for this week. $100K in earmarked Legislative funding for Senior Center feasibility study – Programs and Services Committee and Public Facilities Committee. $1.3M of Free Cash to be used to continue Feasibility Study/Schematic Design for Lincoln-Eliot/Newton Early Childhood Program [back to top] Announcements Holiday Tree Pickup begins today, January 7th and will continue through January 18th. Public Hearing – The Massachusetts Development Finance Agency will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 7th at 11:00 a.m. at its offices located at 99 High Street, Boston, MA to consider a proposal from Cradles to Crayons, Inc. for issuance of qualified 501(c)(3) bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed $4,400,000 to finance and refinance a portion of the costs to purchase the land, together with the buildings and other improvements thereon, and appurtenances at 281 Newtonville Avenue. The Newtonville Area Council is hosting a public meeting on Tuesday, January 8th at 6:30 p.m. in the Druker Auditorium at the Newton Free Library. The Area Council intends to: Discuss the results re: densification, housing, transportation, and so on Discuss how the new zoning proposals align with the survey results Discuss where we go from here Please see flyer for more information. Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce New Year’s Bash: Join Chamber members as they celebrate the New Year and welcome the arrival of UMASS Amherst to the N-Squared Innovation District On Wednesday, January 9th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Shaw Hall on the new UMASS Amherst Mount IDA Campus, 777 Dedham Street. Fourth Annual Police Appreciation Day:  In conjunction with National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, the Sons of the American Legion, Newton Squadron 440, invite the public to recognize and support the fine men and women of the Newton Police Department on Wednesday, January 9th from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Post 440, 295 California Street. Free food, cash bar and entertainment. [back to top] City Council Committee Meetings Week of January 6th Finance Committee:  The Finance Committee will meet on Monday, January 7th at 6:45 p.m. in Room 211 to discuss one item on the agenda: Request to transfer the necessary funding from the Current Year Wage Reserve Account to various department budgets to fund the cost items set forth in the one-year labor agreement with American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSME), City Hall Associates, Local 3092. Land Use Committee:  The Land Use Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The agenda includes the following: Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow for the expansion of a non-conforming multi-family dwelling use by constructing a three-story 20-unit multi-family dwelling and requesting waivers and reductions of setback and parking requirements at 182-184 and 166 California Street (NOTE: This petition will be continued to February 5th) Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow an increase in the number of teachers and children in the program by waiving 17 parking stalls at2330 Washington Street  Request to amend a previously granted Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a detached carport for the existing single-family dwelling at 50-52 Rowe Street Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to convert and existing single-family residential dwelling a 6-unit residential dwelling by constructing a second 3-story residential dwelling with 3-units, to allow ground floor units and reductions and waivers of parking and landscaping requirements at 424-432 Cherry Street Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow a 36′ 3-story, 9-unit multi-family dwelling with accessory parking for 9 cars and allow for waivers and reductions in parking, lighting and landscaping requirements at 39 Herrick Road Request to amend a previously granted Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow bank use at 71 Needham Street  Programs and Services Committee:  The Programs and Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 9th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda includes the following: Appointment of Julie Irish to the Council on Aging Appointment of Melissa Sommer and Patricia Kerwin Derrick (to complete Don Fishman’s term) to the Parks and Recreation Commission Re-appointment of Patricia Kerwin Derrick and Sam Figler to the Parks and Recreation Commission Re-appointment of Matthew Stafford, Asa Fanelli, and Lisa Terrizzi to the Health and Human Services Advisory Council Re-appointment of Dina Conlin to the Licensing Board Request to accept and expend $100,000 from the State Fiscal Year 2019 Legislative Earmark Funds to be used to conduct a feasibility study on the renovation, expansion and new construction of the Newton Senior Center Request for an amendment to Section 27-10 of the City of Newton Revised Ordinances to increase the maximum qualifying gross receipts amount for the Tax Deferral Program from $60,000 to $72,000 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018 and for all subsequent years Public Facilities Committee:  The Public Facilities Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 9th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda includes the following: Request to transfer $100,000 from Current Year Budget Reserve to the Department of Public Works Processing Recyclables to fund increased costs of processing recyclables due to changes in the recycling market Request for a vote from the City Council to authorize submission of a Statement of Interest to the MSBA for funding for the replacement of the boiler and roof at Memorial Spaulding Elementary School and replacement of the roof at Underwood Elementary School Request to accept and expend $100,000 from the State Fiscal Year 2019 Legislative Earmark Funds to be used to conduct a feasibility study on the renovation, expansion and new construction of the Newton Senior Center Request to transfer $1,300,000 from Free Cash to fund the continuation of a Feasibility Study/Schematic design and Site Plan Approval for the Lincoln-Elioit/Newton Early Childhood Program Public Safety and Transportation Committee:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 9th has been cancelled. Notice of cancellation can be found here. [back to top] City Board and Commission Meetings week of January 6th Planning and Development Board:  The Planning and Development Board will meet on Monday, January 7th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204. The revised agendaincludes the following: Public Hearing on proposed  updates and revisions to the Approval Not Required (ANR) Adoption and Vote on the Economic Development Strategy Plan Discussion of the FY2020 Annual Action Plan Discussion of the Northland Development Change of Zone request Notice of the Public Hearing of the Planning Board acting as a Board of Survey for the proposed revisions to the ANR can be found here. Washington Place Liaison Committee:  The Washington Place Liaison Committee will meet on Monday, January 7th at 6:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria. The agenda can be found here. Auburndale Historic District Commission:  The Auburndale Historic District Commission will meet on Tuesday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205. Theagenda includes the following: Request to amend a previously approved Certificate of Appropriateness for a pergola, and a request to amend a previously approved front entry, right side library bump out, and left side bay window, and a review of the status of detailed drawings of exterior architectural elements for property located at 140 Windermere Road. Community Preservation Committee:  The Community Preservation Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda includes the following: Discussion of program planning, outreach, and staffing Discussion of site signs for CPA funded projects Staff updates on current/anticipated proposals and projects Approval of minutes December 2018 Economic Development Commission:  The Economic Development Commission will meet on Tuesday, January 8th at 6:30 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda includes the following: N2 Update Chair update and approval of minutes Discussion of Development Review with James Freas – overview of the current process and proposed changes Nomination of EDC officers Newtonville Area Council:  The Newtonville Area Council will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, January 8th from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the Druker Auditorium at the Newton Free Library to discuss results of the NAC’s Washington Street Survey.  More information can be found here. Design Review Committee:  The Design Review Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m. in the Trustees Room of the Newton Free Library. The agenda includes the following: Update by the Public Buildings Department on upcoming projects Continued discussion regarding embedded carbon Newtonville Area Council:  The Newtonville Area Council will meet on Thursday, January 10th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda includes the following: Approval of minutes Burning Issues in the community Assessing the January 8th public meeting on the Washington Street survey Discussion of the NAC’s role in promoting the arts in Newtonville and in the City and how to best use the funds from 28 Austin Street to that end Discussion of goals and accomplishments in 2019 Election of Officers Transfer of Newtonville.org to the Area Council Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission:  The Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission will meet on Thursday, January 10th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205. The agenda includes the following: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace windows at 62-64 Cottage Street Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to build the main entry, install overhead garage doors, and finalize exterior light fixtures at 1238 Chestnut Street Working Session on a request for feedback on a project to move and renovate the existing house, build a new addition, and a four-car garage and demolish a shed at 14 Ellis Street [back to top] Development Review Team Meetings – Week of January 6th The following potential projects and proposals are scheduled to meet with the Development Review Team this week: 192 Lincoln Street – Special Permit to establish an accessory apartment 340 Hammond Street – Special Permit for accessory apartment in existing carriage house 757 Beacon Street – Special Permit for parking waiver related to expansion of salon 1158 Beacon Street –  Special Permit for recreational marijuana establishment Development Review Team Snapshot can be found here. [back to top] Good Morning Newton Residents, Here's my weekly update on Newton's community and local government.  Click on any of these titles or scroll through all the notices below. Newton Power Choice Survey Curious about Riverside? – November 27th – UPA – 7:00 p.m. “Wondering About Weed?” event at Mt. Ida Campus of UMASS Amherst – November 28th – 6:30 p.m. Full City Council to meet on Monday, November 19th City Council Committee Reports – Now Available All three P Committees are cancelled this week City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of November 18th Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo   Newton Power Choice Survey Despite survey work that had been conducted by Green Newton volunteers earlier this year, the City is attempting to collect data from residents on how much more we are willing to pay for cleaner/greener electricity.  The survey, which requires you to enter your email address but not necessarily your home address to verify residency, can be found here. An update on the Newton Power Choice Program can be found in the most recent Public Facilities Committee Report here. [back to top] Curious about Riverside? – November 27th – UPA – 7:00 p.m. OK – perhaps not as catchy as “Wondering About Weed”, but if you are interested in hearing a presentation about the proposed Riverside Development project from the Riverside Committee of the Lower Falls Improvement Association, then come to the United Parish Church of Auburndale, 64 Hancock Street, on Tuesday, November 27th, at 7:00 p.m. [back to top] “Wondering About Weed?” event at Mt. Ida Campus of UMASS Amherst – November 28th – 6:30 p.m. According to the description of this event, sponsored by the Newton Health and Human Services Department:  “Mayor Ruthanne Fuller will introduce local experts Kevin Hill, MD and Nicole Danforth, MD who will enlighten us with myths and facts about marijuana science, health risks & benefits, adolescents & the developing brain and adult recreational and medical marijuana use. Dr. Kevin Hill is an addiction psychiatrist, cannabis researcher and author at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital. Dr. Nicole Danforth is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. They’ll be joined by Elizabeth Booma, MD, to answer questions from the audience. Whether you’re an adult considering giving legal marijuana a try, a parent worried about preventing teen use, or just plain curious, this is the event for you! It’s free and open to the public.” [back to top] Full City Council to meet on Monday, November 19th The Council will meet ion Monday, November 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber in Committee of the Whole with the Finance Chair presiding in order to hold a public hearing on the proposed FY2019 Municipal Property Tax Levy Distribution. The Tax Classification Booklet can be found here. The Committee of the Whole agenda can be found here. The Full City Council will then meet at 7:45 p.m. in the Council Chamber to conduct it’s regular meeting. The Reports Docket can be found here and the New Docket can be found here. The Council will vote on proposed zoning regulations for retail marijuana facilities. The Draft Ordinance can be found here. A memo from Councilor Baker alerting the Council of a proposed amendment (reducing the square footage) can be found here. [back to top] City Council Committee Reports – Now Available Public Facilities Committee – 11/7/2018:  The Public Facilities voted to approve the following: Request for a grant of an underground easement to Mark Development, LLC in Washington Street for underground footings Request to accept a sidewalk easement from Mark Development, LLC abutting Walnut Street Request to appropriate $500,000 from bonded indebtedness to fund the design, procurement and construction of interior improvements at the Newton Free Library Request to appropriate $150,000 from Free Cash to fund the Lincoln-Eliot Elementary School window replacement and accessibility improvements design Request to appropriate $300,000 from Free Cash to fund upgrades to Fire Stations 1 and 2 including isolation of apparatus bay from living quarters and pole rehab/replacement All other items were held. Public Safety and Transportation Committee – 11/7/2018:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee voted to approve the following: Request for an ordinance amendment to increase the non-resident parking permit fee from $25 to a range which will include a maximum cap, to better cover costs and encourage alternatives to driving in parts of the City where demand is high All other items were held. Land Use Committee – 11/8/2018:  The Land Use Committee voted to approve the following: Request to amend a previously granted Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow off-site relocation of the inclusionary zoning units as well as 24 additional units at 219 Commonwealth Avenue Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to locate a veterinary hospital in an exiting Newton Nexus building at 131 – 181 Needham Street – See Council Order Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a two-story detached garage, greater than 700 sq. ft. containing accommodations for 10 vehicles at 244 Dudley Road – See Council Order Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a 161 sq. ft. second floor addition in the existing footprint of a house exceeding the maximum allowable FAR at 43 Kenwood Road – See Council Order All other items were held. Zoning and Planning Committee – 11/14/2018:  The Zoning and Planning Committee voted to approve the following: Proposed zoning amendments regulating retail marijuana establishments – the Draft Ordinance can be found here. Finance Committee – 11/14/2018:  The Finance Committee voted to approve the following: Selection of a qualified public accounting firm to complete the City’s annual financial audit for FY2019- FY2023 Request to appropriate $500,000 from bonded indebtedness to fund the design, procurement, and construction of the interior improvements at the Newton Free Library Request to appropriate $150,000 from Free Cash to fund Lincoln-Eliot Elementary School window replacement and accessibility improvements design Request to appropriate $300,000 from Free Cash to fund upgrades at Fire Stations 1 and 2 including isolation of apparatus bay from living quarters and pole rehab/replacement Re-appointment of Anthony Bianchi as constable for the City of Newton [back to top] All three P Committees are cancelled this week The Programs and Services Committee, the Public Facilities Committee, and the Public Safety and Transportation Committee have cancelled their meetings for this week. The meeting cancellation notice can be found here. [back to top] City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of November 18th Parks and Recreation Commission:  The Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, November 19th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda includes the following: Commissioner’s Reports on Programs, Forestry and Maintenance Public Hearing on the Jackson Road /Newton Housing Authority Proposal Discussion of the 20 Rogers Street Conservation Restriction Committee Reports: Community Preservation Committee Farm Commission Cabot Redesign Committee Commonwealth Golf Course Off-Leash Area Working Group Crystal Lake Working Group Athletic Fields Committee NewCAL Policy and Procedure Review – Field Naming and Sign Policy Waban and Newton Highlands Area Councils:  The Waban and Newton Highlands Area Councils will hold a joint meeting on Monday, November 19th at 8:00 p.m. at the Waban Library Center to hear a presentation and discuss the proposed zoning ordinance focusing primarily on residential districts. The agenda can be found here. Note:  The City’s Planning Department will hold a presentation on Thursday, November 29, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Angier School, 1697 Beacon St. Board of License Commissioners:  The Board of License Commissioners will meet on Monday, November 19th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda can be found here. Conservation Commission:  The Newton Conservation Commission will meet on Tuesday, November 20th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205. The agenda includes the following: Four Notices of Intent: Enforcement Action/Request to demolish and reconstruct of a single-family home with associated restoration planting plan developed in response to unpermitted tree cutting in the RFA at 33 Wayne Road Request to demolish and reconstruct a single-family home with deck and driveway at 116 Upland Road Request to demolish and reconstruct a single-family home at 131 Wallace Street Request to demolish and reconstruct a single-family home at 53 Brandeis Road Discussion of Enforcement Order for an unresolved enforcement issue at 22 Hollywood Drive Approve placing a Conservation Restriction on 30 Wabasso Street Proposed Fence along LaGrange – Kesseler Woods Houghton Gardens – 170 Suffolk Road Encroachment Discussion of Fees for dumping Changes to the Administrative Approval form Packet documents can be found here. Newton Center for Active Living Project:  There will be a joint meeting of the Executive Building Committee and the Advisory Building Committee on Tuesday, November 20th at 6:00 p.m. in the Druker Auditorium at the Newton Free Library. The Meeting Notice can be found here. Board of Assessors:  The Board of Assessors will meet on Wednesday, November 21st at 9:00 a.m. in Room 108.  The agenda can be found here. Here's my weekly update on Newton's community and local government.  Click on any of these titles or scroll through all the notices below. Notable Events Affordable Housing Opportunities and Poll Workers Needed City Council Meetings – Week of August 13th City Council July/August 2018 Committee Reports – Now Available City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of August 11th Development Review Team Meetings – Week of August 11th Newtonville Area Council Survey Results Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo   Notable Events Cold Spring Park Farmer’s Market:  Tuesday, August 14th Featured Farmers include: Dick’s Market Gardens, Freitas, Nicewicz Family Farm, Wally’s Vegetables, Good Roots ,FarmFlats Mentor Farm, Heaven’s Harvest Farm, We Grow Microgreens Lemonade:  When Life Give You Lemons Knife Sharpening:  Bobby Mac Mushrooms:  Mycoterra Farm Home & Garden Plants:  Buzz & Thrive Nepali Cusine:  Bridges Nepali Cuisine Olive Oil:  Olive Connection Eco-Boutique:  Upland Road Pasta:  Deano’s Pasta Bagels:  OMG! Bagels Breads:  Liberty Artisanal Breads Cheese & More:  Foxboro Cheese Fish:  Boston Sword & Tuna Pasture Raised Meats:  Lilac Hedge Farm Rugelach:  Quicksilver Baking Company Turkey Salad:  Bob’s Turkey Farm Kosher Pizza:  Zayde’s Market Ice Cream:  Wally’s Wicked Good Ice Cream Summer in the Hyde:  All Movies and Concerts are free and take place outside on the Hyde Playground. In case of rain, the entertainment moves inside the Hyde Gym. Bring blankets and beach chairs. August 17 6:00 p.m. Concert:  Legit Band (oldies rock) Dusk Movie: Early Man West Newton Farmer’s Market:  Saturday, August 18th   Is the hot weather turning your dog into a summer blob? Well, grab a leash and bring your pup to Newton’s Elm Street Farmers’ Market for their first ever Dog Days of Summer event. Some of the highlights will include: Laszlo Family Farm with their award-winning dog treats. A spin to win prize wheel & raffle sponsored by W. Newton-based Tail Waggerz, providing dog day care, boarding & grooming. Training Demo and Q&A with She’s A Keeper Dog Training Free Pupsicles for the first 50 dogs Dog Contests Dog Photo Booth [back to top] Affordable Housing Opportunities and Poll Workers Needed Affordable Housing Opportunities: SEB is accepting applications for 2 affordable condominiums being built at 1521 Beacon Street in Newton, MA. One home will be sold at an affordable price to households with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. The other home will be sold at an affordable price to households with incomes at or below 65% of the Area Median Income. Completed applications and required income documentation must be recieved, NOT POSTMARKED by 2:00 p.m. on August 20, 2018. More information Hancock Estates is an 88 unit rental apartment community.  4 of these apartments will be available to households with incomes at or below 80% AMI, 1 unit will be available to households with incomes at or below 65% AMI, and 4 apartments will be made available to households at or below 50% AMI (the Low-Income units).  Units include in-unit washers and dryers, and include one parking spot. More information Poll Workers Needed: The City Clerk’s Offices is looking for poll workers for both the upcoming September 4th Primary and the November 6th elections.  More information and an application can be found here. [back to top] City Council Meetings – Week of August 13th Open Meeting Law Training – The Law Department will provide a training session on the Open Meeting Law for City Councilors on Monday, August 13th at 6:45 p.m. in Room 211.  The Meeting Reminder Notice can be found here. Full City Council Meeting:  The Full City Council will meet on Monday, August 13th at 7:45 p.m.  The Reports Docket can be found here and the New Docket can be found here. The Full City Council will be taking up the proposed Zoning Amendments to create a Shared Parking Program Pilot.  A memo from the Planning Department can be found here and Proposed Amendments to be offered at the Council Meeting can be found here.The Council will also be taking up the Needham Street Vision Plan. The Final Updated Draft can be found here. The Full City Council will also take up proposed zoning amendments limiting current MU4 Zoning – including a proposal for a moratorium on MU4 development. And….the Full City Council will reconsider the Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan approval for an 18 unit development on Adams Street which failed to receive the necessary votes for approval at the last full Council meeting.  There is correspondence related to this petition which can be found here. [back to top] City Council July/August 2018 Committee Reports – Now Available Land Use Committee Report – July 10th:  The Land Use Committee voted to approve the following: Appointments of Lynn Yetra and Kenneth Lyons to the BC Neighborhood Council Request to amend a previously approved special permit/site plan approval to allow non-accessory parking to lease 496 parking stalls to off-site, third party users at 199 Boylston Street Request for a special permit/site plan approval for a 5-year permit for temporary parking waiver of approximately 153 spaces to hold an annual tent sale at 175 Boylston Street Request for a special permit/site plan approval to allow 4 outdoor tables to be added to an existing restaurant (40 Carrots) at 225 Boylston Street Request for a special permit/site plan approval to combine two parcels to allow four attached dwelling units in two structures and reduction in setback requirements at 21-25 Gardner Street The Public Hearing on the Request for a special permit/site plan approval for a medical marijuana dispensary at 24-26 Eliot Street was closed and the item was held.  The report contains testimony presented at the public hearing. Zoning and Planning Committee – July 16th:  The Zoning and Planning Committee voted to approve the following: Appointment of Brian Yates to the Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission Appointments of Tarik Lucas and Peter Mooradian to the Newtonville Historic District Commission Re-appointments of Barbara Wales, John Martin, David Morton, Nancy Grissom, and James Gross to the Newtonville Historic District Commission Re-appointments of Paul Snyder, Julia Neville, Laurie Malcom, Donald Lang, and Jeffrey Riklin to the Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission All other items were held. Finance Committee – July 18th: The Finance Committee held a special meeting and met jointly with the Public Facilities Committee to approve a request to transfer $100,000 from Budget Reserve to the F.A. Day /Bigelow Boiler Replacement Account for schematic design study for potential boiler projects. Public Facilities Committee –   July 18th:  The Public Facilities Committee voted to approve the following: Request to transfer $100,000 from Budget Reserve to the F.A. Day /Bigelow Boiler Replacement Account for schematic design study for potential boiler projects Appointments of Puja Vohra, and Jonathan Klein to the Citizens Commission on Energy All other items were held. Zoning and Planning Committee – July 30th:  The Zoning and Planning Committee voted to approve the following: Re-appointment of Jay Walter to the Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission Discussion and adoption of the Needham Street Vision Plan as an amendment to the 2007 Comprehensive Plan All other items were held. Land Use Committee – August 7th:  The Land Use Committee voted to approve the following: Request to Withdraw without Prejudice a request to amend a previously approved special permit/site plan approval to relocate a condition from building permit requirements and insert it under the Certificate of Occupancy Requirements for 392-396, 400, 402-404 Langley Road Request for an Extension of Time to exercise a previously granted special permit/site plan approval to construct an accessory apartment above a three-car at 41 Dorset Road  Request for an Extension of Time to exercise a previously granted special permit/site plan approval to allow an association of persons in a common dwelling where inhabitants will share common living spaces at 27 Waverly Avenue Request for a special permit/site plan approval to enclose the front porches adding approximately 158 sq. ft. to the structure exceeding the allowed FAR at 22 Beecher Place Request for a special permit/site plan approval to construct a single-story two-car garage and front entry vestibule exceeding the allowed FAR at 47 Rokeby Road Request to amend a previously approved special permit/site plan to allow for the retail sale of marijuana at Garden Remedies (red-lined version of Draft Council Order) All other items were held. [back to top] City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of August 11th Washington Place Liaison Committee Meeting:  The Washington Place Liaison Committee will meet on Monday, August 13th at 6:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria.  The agenda can be found here. Commission on Disability:  The Commission on Disability has cancelled its regularly scheduled meeting this week. Notice of Cancellation can be found here. Economic Development Commission:  The Economic Development Commission will meet on Tuesday, August 14th at 6:30 p.m. in Room 211. The agenda includes an Open Meeting Law Primer given by City Clerk, David Olson, Economic Development Updates, an update from the Chair of the Commission and a discussion on Marijuana Establishments. Auburndale Historic District Commission Meeting:   The Auburndale Historic District Commission will meet on Tuesday, August 13th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205.  The agenda includes the following: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a request to replace windows at 10 Fern Street Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace a front porch decking and make repairs at 115 Windermere Street Executive Session – update of appeal by the City of Newton of the MAPC Review Panel Decision Staff memo can be found here and packet documents can be found here. Board of Assessor’s Meeting:  The Board of Assessor’s will meet on Wednesday, August 15th at 9:00 a.m. in Room 108.  The meeting notice/agenda can be found here. Urban Design Commission:  The Urban Design Commission will meet on Wednesday, August 15th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205. The agenda includes the following seven requests for sign permits (CCRM Fertility Boston – 300 Boylston Street; Leisure Nails – 310 Walnut Street; Citizens Bank – 1188 Centre Street; Learning Efficiency – 833 Beacon Street; Moldova Restaurant – 342-344 Watertown Street; Nothing Bundt Cakes – 170 Needham Street; and CyberArk – 60 Wells Avenue #103) one fence appeal (36 Spiers Road) and one Design Review (182-184 California Street). Staff memo can be found here. Designer Selection Commmittee:  The Designer Selection Committee will meet on Thursday, August 16th at 6:00 p.m. in the Trustee’s Room in the Library.  The agenda includes interviews of the short list of respondents for the Lincoln-Eliot NECP Project. [back to top] Development Review Team Meetings – Week of August 11th The Development Review Team will review the following potential development proposals: 29 Charlotte Road  – Variance to add carport/covered entry 32 Baldpate Hill Road – Special Permit to allow a retaining wall in excess of four feet in the setback 49-51 Winchester Street –  Special Permit to establish for-profit school [back to top] Newtonville Area Council Survey Results The results of the Newtonville Area Council have just been released!  The Preliminary Survey Report can be found here.  Results of the survey can be found here. [back to top] Here's my weekly update on Newton's community and local government.  Click on any of these titles or scroll through all the notices below. Honoring Former Mayor Thomas Concannon Notable Events Zoning and Planning Committee to Meet Tonight, July 30th – 6:30 p.m. – Recreation Marijuana Zoning and Hello Washington Street on the agenda “Hello Washington Street” Update – Monday, July 30th – Zoning and Planning Committee Meeting Financial Audit Advisory Committee – Accounting and Audit Subcommittee to Meet – July 31st Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo   Honoring Former Mayor Thomas Concannon Former Mayor Thomas Concannon died on Saturday, July 28th. He served as Mayor of Newton from 1994 – 1997.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 3rd at 10:30 AM in Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, 573 Washington St., Newton, followed by interment in Newton Cemetery. Visiting hours Thursday from 4-8 PM in the Burke & Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St., West Newton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newton Cultural Alliance at http://www.newtonculture.org/ or the Boys and Girls Club of Newton. https://www.newtonbgc.com/donate-1. [back to top] Notable Events Farmer’s Market:  Be sure to visit the Farmer’s Market which is open on Tuesdays at Cold Spring Park (1:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.) and Saturdays (9:30 a.m.- 12:30p.m.) Dancing in the Parks:  The Dancing in the Parks series continues on August 1st with The Jessie Liam Band at the Newton Senior Center, 345 Walnut Street in Newtonville. Summer in the Hyde:  The Hyde Community Center and the Newton Highlands Area Council will continue: August 3 6:00 p.m. Concert: Soft Touch Dance Band (Big Band) Dusk Movie: Groundhog Day August 5 7:00 p.m. Live Theater: Shakespeare in the Park (Commonwealth Shakespeare) [back to top] Zoning and Planning Committee to Meet Tonight, July 30th – 6:30 p.m. – Recreation Marijuana Zoning and Hello Washington Street on the agenda The Zoning and Planning Committee will meet TONIGHT at 6:30 p.m. in Room 205.  The agenda includes the following: Re-appointment of Jay Walter to the Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission Request to amend the Newton Zoning Ordinance to regulate the use of land, structures and buildings for the operation of retail marijuana establishments – zoning districts, conditions and minimum standards and criteria Continued discussion of the Zoning Redesign Project and draft policy content outline Request for discussion and adoption of the Needham Street Vision Plan Request for discussion and monthly progress on the Washington Street Corridor Action Plan Request for discussion and adoption of the Economic Development Strategy Plan [back to top] “Hello Washington Street” Update – Monday, July 30th – Zoning and Planning Committee Meeting An update on the “Hello Washington Street”project will be presented at the Zoning and Planning Committee meeting on Monday, July 30th.  The “Snapshot” can be found here. [back to top] Financial Audit Advisory Committee – Accounting and Audit Subcommittee to Meet – July 31st The Financial Audit Advisory Committee – Accounting and Audit Subcommittee will meet on Tuesday, July 31st at 8:15 a.m. in Room 211.  The agenda can be foundhere. [back to top] Here's my weekly update on Newton's community and local government.  Click on any of these titles or scroll through all the notices below. Events and Announcements this Week Recodification Committee to Meet – Monday, July 2nd City Council Committee Reports – Now Available Tax Taking Notice Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo   Events and Announcements this Week Families Belong Together Vigil –  Monday, July 2nd – 6:30 p.m. in front of Newton City Hall The Newton Clergy Association along with the Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries and the Newton Human Rights Commission, are leading a Families Belong Together Prayer Vigil on Monday, July 2nd at 6:30 p.m. in front of Newton City Hall. “We believe that faith is relevant to the soul of our nation. The separation of families is not a partisan issue. It’s a moral one. Along with the rallies being held in Boston and cities across the nation next weekend, we invite people of faith, or no faith, to come together, and lift your voices, in our various traditions, in prayer for our country, our leaders and those seeking refuge from the violence of their countries. Please bring an electric candle or the light on your cell phone to help us shine a light in the darkness.” Fourth of July Celebration – Celebrate the 4th of July here in Newton!  Beginning at 10 a.m. at the Newton Centre Playground, there will be a Pet Parade, Teddy Bear Parade, Doll Carriage Promenade and Foot Races with a bonus scoop of ice cream provided by Cabot’s! Then head over to Albemarle Playground from Noon – 9 p.m. for the Open Air Market, Amusement Rides and Music by the Bill Winiker Band. And then the Grand Finale:  Fireworks! Please note that these free events have been sponsored by the Newton Pride Committee.  Please consider donating to the Newton Pride Committee to keep these events free.  Information on donating can be found here. Gath Pool Closure:  A water leak was discovered at the Gath Pool which is forcing closure of the pool from Thursday, July 5th until Sunday, July 8th.  Folks can still enjoy swimming at Crystal Lake during this hot spell.  Day pass information for Crystal Lake can be found here. [back to top] Recodification Committee to Meet – Monday, July 2nd The Recodification Committee, chaired by Councilor Lisle Baker, will meet on Monday, July 2nd at 8:30 a.m. in the Clerk’s Office.  The agenda includes the following: Historic District Commission Ordinances Status of City Seal Ordinance Status of Purchasing Section of Ordinances Engineering’s Stormwater Management Policy Revolving funds Ordinance to Meet Municipal Modernization requirements Rules change for Law Department Review of Ordinance changes by Council Parking on Municipal Property Shrubs and Overhanging Vegetation Removal Charges [back to top] City Council Committee Reports – Now Available The following Committee Reports are available: Programs and Services Committee Meeting – June 20, 2018:  The Programs and Services Committee met on June 20th and voted to recommend approval on the following items: Appointment of John Castellot to the Institutional Biotechnology Committee Three appointments to the Human Rights Committee:  Elizabeth Ingraham, Tamika Olszewski, and and David Kuppenheimer Re-appointment of Michelle Freshman to the Health and Human Services Advisory Council Three Re-appointments to the Human Rights Commission:  Bryan Barash, Hattie Kerwin Derrick, and Jane Brown Request to increase the salary of the City Clerk/Clerk of the Council to $135,619 to match the percentage increase included in the FY2019 budget for H-grade employees Amended Ballot Question regulating the number of recreational marijuana establishements to no fewer than 2 and no more than 4 Click on the Programs and Services Committee Meeting – June 20, 2018 link to read the report.  Please note:  attached to the report, is an opinion from the Health and Human Services Commissioner and testimony from the Police and Fire Chief. Public Safety and Transportation Committee Meeting – June 20, 2018:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, June, 20th and voted to recommend approval of the following: Walnut Street Newtonville Enhancement Project All other items were held.  Click on the Public Safety and Transportation Committee Meeting – June 20, 2018 link to read the report. [back to top] Tax Taking Notice The following Tax Taking Notice has been posted. The Treasurer intends to take the following properties on July 5th: 31 Sargent Park 1874 Commonwealth Avenue 53 Hyde Avenue 196 Melrose Street The Notice can be found here. [back to top] Here's my weekly update on Newton's community and local government.  Click on any of these titles or scroll through all the notices below. Marijuana Update Reminder – Rove the Cove Race – Saturday, June 23rd Summer Food Program Open Meeting Law Complaint and Best Practices for City Councilors Full Council to Meet – Monday, June 18th City Council Committee Reports Charter Subcommittee to Meet – June 20th Programs and Services Committee to Meet – June 20th Public Safety and Transportation Committee to Meet June 20th Public Facilities Committee to Meet – June 20th Development Review Team Meetings – Week – June 17th Board and Commission Meetings – Week of June 17th School Committee to Meet Monday, June 18th Lincoln-Eliot Elementary School and Newton Early Childhood Program School Building Committee Meeting – Thursday, June 21st Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo   Marijuana Update On June 5th, the Land Use Committee held public hearings on two petitions:  a request by Garden Remedies – a permitted medical marijuana dispensary located at 697 Washington Street (See Planning Department Memo)- to allow retail sale of marijuana and a request by Cypress Tree Management to allow for medical marijuana dispensary at 24-26 Elliot Street (See Planning Department Memo) The public hearings for both requests were continued- Garden Remedies will be taken up on June 26th and Cypress Tree Management’s petition will be taken up on July 10th.  The report on these public hearings can be found here. On June 6th, the Programs and Services Committee held a public hearing on a 50 person signature petition (as allowed for by our City Charter) to request the City Council to place a ballot question on the retail sale of recreational marijuana in the City of Newton. A detailed report on the hearing can be found here. The Programs and Services Committee voted 3-1-2 (Councilor Albright opposed, Councilors Krintzman and Brousal-Glaser abstaining and Councilor Baker not voting) to recommend placing that question on the ballot to the Full Council. The Full Council is scheduled to take that up TONIGHT, Monday, June 18th at it’s Full Council Meeting. Mayor Fuller announced her support for placement of the Opt-Out ballot question in her most recent newsletter. But…the Council also has the following on its new docket: The Planning Department’s long awaited zoning amendments regulating the operation of marijuana establishments and zoning districts where retail sales of marijuana may be located, and Request filed by Councilors Albright and Krintzman to place a ballot question as to whether the City should limit the number of retail marijuana establishments operating in Newton to no fewer than 2 and no more than 6. Stay tuned…… [back to top] Reminder – Rove the Cove Race – Saturday, June 23rd Rove the Cove, June 23rd – The race will be held on Saturday, June 23rd, starting and ending at the picnic area of The Cove in Auburndale.  All proceeds from the race will be donated to the Auburndale Community Library. For more information and to register,  see  http://www.active.com/auburndale-ma/running/distance-running-races/rove-the-cove-5k-2018-46319818. [back to top] Summer Food Program The City of Newton is partnering with the FUEL program and area organizations to provide a Summer Food Program. The program is designed to provide Newton residents with children 18 years old and younger FREE backpacks of non-perishable food to ensure families have extra food during the summer months.  Please click on the link for more information and please forward this information on to friends and neighbors. Summer Food for Families Flyer [back to top] Open Meeting Law Complaint and Best Practices for City Councilors Last week, the City Solicitor conducted a review of an anonymous Open Meeting Law Complaint that was filed with the City Clerk regarding a gathering of 11 City Councilors on May 20th.  According to this memo from City Council President Laredo, the Law Department concluded that no violation had occurred. In addition, Council leadership met two weeks ago to discuss draft Guidelines regarding Best Practices for City Council Chairs and City Councilors in general.  Council President Laredo has now released Best Practices for City Councilors which can be found here. [back to top] Full Council to Meet – Monday, June 18th The Full City Council will meet on Monday, June 18th at 7:45 p.m. in the Council Chamber.  The Reports Docket can be found here and the New Docket can be found here. [back to top] City Council Committee Reports Below are the City Council Committee Reports filed for this week’s Full City Council Meeting. Please click on the meeting links to see the full report. For land use petitions, click on the address to find draft Council orders. Land Use Committee – 6/5/2018:  The Land Use Committee met on June 5th and voted to recommend approval of the following special permit/site plan approval requests: Request to enclose front entrance and further extend a non-conforming setback for property located at 12 Acorn Drive Request to allow a detached accessory apartment in an existing detached structure for property located at 1224 Boylston Street Request to allow a rear lot subdivision to create two lots and demolish the existing single-family structure and construct single-family dwellings on each lot for property located at 156 Otis Street All other items were held. Programs and Services Committee Report – 6/6/2018:  The Programs and Services Committee met on June 6th and voted to recommend approval of the following items: Appointment of two new Library Trustees:  Bharat Bhushan and Chris Kirby Request to transfer $75,000 from the Main Library Full-time Salaries Account to the Main Library Building Improvements Account to install a public address system Request to appropriate $100,000 from Free Cash to fund fence repairs throughout the City damaged by storms Request for Home Rule Legislatiion to give the City the ability to modify the local 41A tax deferral program for seniors by increasing the income limit to qualifying and participating property owners All other items were held. Public Facilities Report – 6/6/2018:  The Public Facilities Committee met on June 6th and voted to recommend approval of the following items: Request to relocate a city drain and sewer easement on the Boston College Middle Campus Petition for a grant of location to install and maintain a gas main in Short Street from an existing main in Montclair Road to service 1521 Beacon Street Request to appropriate $150,000 from Free Cash for repairs to 1294 Centre Street (former Health Department Building) Request to appropriate $338,000 from bonded indebtedness to rehabilitate the Forest Grove Pump Station Request to transfer $150,000 from Current Year Budget Reserve to fund repair and replacement of streetlights All other items were held. Public Safety and Transportation Committee Report – 6/6/2018:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee met on June 6th and voted to recommend approval of the following: Request to transfer $100,000 from Current Year Budget Reserve to purchase an Incident Command Vehicle for the Police Department Bus license renewals for Boston College Bus license renewals and license for one new bus for Trip Advisor Reports of semi-annual taxi license and public auto inspections Request to appropriate $121,770 from Free Cash to replace 120 bottles for the Self-contained breathing apparatus Request to appropriate $33,739 from Free Cash to purchase an extractor and gear dryer for Fire Stations 1 and 2 Finance Committee Report – 6/11/2018:  The Finance Committee met on June 11th and voted to recommend approval of the following: Request for authorization to accept a Mass Housing grant of $85,000 to fund a fiscal impact team to analyze financial impacts from potential developments along Washington Street, Needham Street, Riverside and exam the proposed new Zoning Ordinance Request to transfer $120,000 from Budget Reserve to Public Works Vehicle Maintenance Account to replace three vehicles in the Inspectional Services Department and one vehicle for the Inspector of Weights and Measures Request to appropriate $75,000 from Free Cash to replace the Elliot Street generator and related electric service upgrade Request to transfer $100,000 from Human Resources Full-time Salaries Account to the Public Buildings Repairs and Maintenance Account to fund assorted year-end building improvements Request authorization to transfer $150,000 from the Stormwater Current-Year Budget Reserve to a capital project account to fund a storm water retention system for Franklin Elementary School Request authorization to appropriate $400,000 from the Water Fund Surplus – Available for Appropriation Account for the purpose of making hte FY2018 MWRA Lead Pipe Replacement Program loan payment Request authorization to appropriate $100,000 from Free Cash for fence repairs throughout the City Request authorization to transfer $10,000 from Veteran’s Services Benefits Account to fund War Memorial Veterans Museum improvements Request to transfer $75,000 from Main Library Full-time Salaries Account to Main Library Building Improvements Account to install a new public address system Request to appropriate and expend $150,000 from Free Cash for repairs to 1294 Centre Street, the formerHealth Department Building Commissioner of Public Works requesting approval of various sidewalk/driveway apron/curbcut betterments Request to appropriate $338,000 from bonded indebtedness to fund the rehabilitation of the Forest Grove Pump Station Request authorization to transfer $150,000 from Current Year Budget Reserve to fund repair/replacement of streetlights Request authorization to transfer $40,000 from Police Department Full-time Salaries Account to the Police Department Computer Server Software Account to fund a time and attendance software Request authorization to transfer $100,000 from Current Year Budget Reserve to purchase an incident command vehicle for the Police Department Request to appropriate $121,770 from Free Cash to replace 120 bottles for the self contained breathing apparatus Request to appropriate $33,739 from Free Cash to purchase an extractor and gear dryer for both Fire Stations 1 and 2 Request to transfer $100,000 from the Fire Department Full-time Salaries Account to the Fire Department Electricity Account to cover the increase cost of electricity from the Station 3 addition Request to transfer $10,000 from the Current Year Budget Reserve Account to the Law Department’s Full-time Salaries Account to provide funding for a few week overlap in the Office Manager’s position Request to transfer $30,000 from the Current Year Budget Reserve Account to the Executive Office Consulting Account for the purpose of developing a cultural strategy for the City Request to transfer $25,000 from the Current Year Budget Reserve Account to the Executive Office Consulting Account for the purpose of hiring a consultant to assist the Permit Software Working Group as they prepare to search for new permitting software Request for authorization to transfer $260,000 from the Treasury Long Term Interest Account and $10,000 from the Treasury Advanced Refunding Contribution to cover the costs of the December advanced refunding Zoning and Planning Committee Report – 6/11/2018:  The Zoning and Planning Committee met on June 11th and voted to recommend approval of the following items: Three appointments to the Planning and Development Board (Sudha Maheshwari, Kevin McCormack, and James Robertson and one re-appointment to the Planning and Development Board (Peter Doeringer) All other items were held. Land Use Committee Report – 6/12/2018: The Zoning and Planning Committee met on June 11th and voted to recommend approval of the following items: Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a 455 sq. ft. two-story addition, creating an FAR of .58 where .39 exists and .45 is allowed at 39 Summit Street Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to extend the hours of operation and increase the number of customers at one time, requiring an amendment to Special Permit Board Order #257-13(4) at 145 Wells Avenue Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow a restaurant with greater than 50 seats, a waiver for 12 parking stalls and allow the re-use of an existing non-conforming sign at 342-344 Watertown Street Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow a multi-family development in a business district with greater than 20,000 gross floor area, with a four-story structure 41’ in height, containing an 18-unit dwelling with ground floor units, to allow an FAR of 1.31, to allow a density bonus to reduce the lot area per unit and increase the number of inclusionary units, to allow a reduction of the requirement for parking to 1.25 stalls per unit, to allow parking in the setback, to allow parking within 5’ of a building containing dwelling units, to waive minimum stall dimension requirements, to allow a reduction in the minimum width of a entrance/exit drive, to allow a reduction in the minimum width of maneuvering aisles, to waive lighting requirements and to waive perimeter landscape screening requirements in Ward, 1, Newton, at 189-193 Adams Court (Note:  The petiton was reduced to 15 units of housing) Traffic Council Report – 6/14/2018:  The Traffic Council met on June 14th and voted to approve the following: Addition of Upland Road (Mill to Pheasant) to the Newtonville Neighborhood Parking District adding a two-hour parking restriction 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. school days, both sides, except by Newtonvile Parking permit Addition of Pheasant Road to the Newtonville Neighborhood Parking District adding a two-hour parking restriction 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. school days, both sides, except by Newtonvile Parking permit Prohibition of right turn on red  from the Angier School driveway, southbound, onto Beacon Street, and prohibits right turns on red from Manitoba Road, northbound onto Beacon Street between the hours of 8:00am to 9:00am, 12:00pm to 1:00pm, and 2:30pm to 3:30pm, school days Expansion of Auburndale Village Parking District to include:  Woodland Road (Grove to Windermere), Hawthorne Avenue (Woodland to Aspen), and Aspen Avenue (Hawthorne to Washington), creating a one-hour limit Sept 1 to May 15, except holidays or by Auburndale Permit, onto the west side of Hawthorne Avenue (Woodland to Aspen), and creates a one-hour limit, all days, all times, except by Auburndale Permit on the north side of Aspen Avenue (Hawthorne to Washington) Expansion of Auburndale Village Parking District to iinclude:   Windermere Road (Woodland to Commonwealth Avenue) creating No parking, 8:00am to 10:00 am except Saturday, Sunday and Holiday; Resident Parking Only, Monday-Friday September 1 to May 15 Creation of parking restrictions along sections of Crafts Street (Watertown Street to Waltham Street) and along sections of Waltham Street (Crafts Street to the Waltham City Line). All other items were voted No Action Necessary. [back to top] Charter Subcommittee to Meet – June 20th The Charter Subcommittee will meet on Wednesday, June 20th at 6:00 p.m. in Room 211.  The agenda includes discussion of the following: Article 7 – Planning Article 8 – Nominations and Elections Article 10 – Free Petition, Initiative and Referendum The Charter Subcommittee consists of 4 City Councilors:  Councilor Baker (Chair), Councilor Albright, Councilor Krintzman (former Chair of the Charter Commission) and Vice Chair Kalis.  The Subcommittee grew out of a docket item filed by 14 City Councilors last term, to reduce the size of the Council to 16 – 8 elected at-large and 8 elected by ward only – after the Charter Commission’s recommendation to eliminate the ward only elected Councilors and reduce the size of the Council to 12 – among other charter amendments – failed to achieve the support of Newton voters (see Election Results here). The charge of the subcommittee and a memo from the Chair can be found here. Reports of the sub-committee can be found below. February 26, 2018 March 21, 2018 April 9, 2018 April 30, 2018 [back to top] Programs and Services Committee to Meet – June 20th The Programs and Services Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, June 20th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 211.  The agenda includes the following: Appointment of John Castello to the Institutional Biotechnology Commission Three Appointments to the Human Rights Commission:  Elizabeth Ingraham, Tamika Olszewski, and Davd Kuppenheimer Re-appointment of Michelle Freshman to the Health and Human Services Commission Three re-appointments to the Human Rights Commission:  Bryan Barash, Kerwin Derrick and Jane Brown Request to increase the salary of the City Clerk/Clerk of the Council to $135,619 Request to place a question on the ballot to limit the number of recreational marijuana establishments in Newton to no fewer than 2 and no more than 6. [back to top] Public Safety and Transportation Committee to Meet June 20th The Public Safety and Transportation Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, June 20th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 204 (Note Late Start Time and Room Change).  The Committee will meet jointly with the Public Facilities Committee and the agenda includes the following: Discussion/Review of the Street Design Guide and how it will inform the Accelerated Roads Program Request for approval for the Walnut Street Newtonville Enhancements Project [back to top] Public Facilities Committee to Meet – June 20th The Public Facilities Committee is scheduled to meet on June 20th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda includes the following: Public Hearing for Grant of Location to install and maintain a gas main in Gay Street to 10 Clyde Street Public Hearing for Grant of Location to install a new regulator traffic  control box at 367 California Street Appointment of Robert Hnasko to the Design Review Committee Appointment of Amy MacKrell to the Designer Selection Committee Two Appointments to the Citizens Commission on Energy – Puja Vohra and Jonathan Klein Re-appointment of Peter Barrer to the Design Review Committee Two re-appointments to the Citizens Commission on Energy: Halina Brown and Jonathan Kantar The Public Facilities Committee will meet jointly with the Public Safety and Transportation Committee to discuss the following: Discussion/Review of the Street Design Guide and how it will inform the Accelerated Roads Program Request for approval for the Walnut Street Newtonville Enhancements Project [back to top] Development Review Team Meetings – Week – June 17th The following potential projects will meet with the Development Review Team this week: 37 Duffield Road – Special Permit to extend nonconforming front setback 63 Cherry Street – Possible special permit for expansion of existing single-family dwelling including dormers 184 Spiers Road – Addition to rear/side on a lot with three fronts 12 Garden Road– Proposed garage for single-family dwelling [back to top] Board and Commission Meetings – Week of June 17th Newton Parks and Recreation Commission:  The Newton Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, June 18th at 8:00 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda can be found here. The Parks and Recreation will grant their annual Youth Awards at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Newton Free Library Board of Trustees:  The Library Trustees will meet on Tuesday, June 19th at 9:00 a.m. in the Trustee’s Room of the Main Library.  The agenda can be found here. Newton Center for Active Living (NewCAL) Executive and Advisory Building Committee Meeting: The NewCAL Building Committee will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, June 19th at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center, 345 Walnut Street.  The agenda can be found here. Newton Retirement Board:  The Newton Retirement Board will meet on Wednesday, June 20th at 3:00 p.m. in Room 211.  The agenda can be found here. Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission:  The Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission will meet on Thursday, June 21st at 7:30 p.m. in Room 205.  The agenda includes the following requests for Certificate of Appropriateness Request to install a fence at 108 Reservoir Avenue Request for approval of cobblestone edging installed along driveway and for stone walls installed at the left front corner of the house and a Request to install wrought iron gate and three sections of wood panel fencing at 28 Chestnut Hill Terrace Request to amend previously approved project to make changes to materials, products, finishes, roof line, and to remove south elevation bay at 48 Reservoir Road Request to renovate a garage at 32 Suffolk Road Request to replace all windows and the garage doors; install a new window, a condenser unit, and a dormer on the front elevation. at 96 Suffolk Road Request to replace decking and deck railing, repair latticework, replace window with a door, install basement window and do exterior repairs at 61 Gatehouse Road Request for approval of as-built and proposed design changes at 46 Woodman Road Request to demolish house, garage and shed and build new house and garage at 45 Old England Road Community Preservation Committee:  The Community Preservation Committee will meet on Thursday, June 21st at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda includes the following: Presentation and discussion of independent analysis of project financials and CPC working session for Crescent Street proposal committee business [back to top] School Committee to Meet Monday, June 18th The School Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, June 18th – first, in Executive Session at 5:30 p.m. in Room 304 at the Ed Center to discuss strategy related to Collective Bargaining and then at 7:00 p.m. in Room 210 at the Ed Centerto hold its regularly scheduled meetng.  The agenda includes: Update on High School Start Times Fiscal and Operational Update Facilities Update Discussion and Vote on Equity Policy Guidelines Superintendent Assessment [back to top] Lincoln-Eliot Elementary School and Newton Early Childhood Program School Building Committee Meeting – Thursday, June 21st The Lincoln-Eliot Elementary School and Newton Early Childhood Program School Building Committee will hold it’s first meeting on Thursday, June 21st at 4:00 p.m. in Room 210 of the Ed Center. The agenda can be found here. [back to top] Good Morning Newton Residents,    Here's my weekly update on Newton's community and local government.  Click on any of these titles or scroll through all the notices below. Upcoming Events – Week of June 10th Finance Committee to Meet Monday, June 11th and will meet jointly with Public Facilities Zoning and Planning Committee to meet Monday, June 11th Crescent Street Working Group Meeting – Monday, June 11th Commission on Disability to Meet on Monday, June 11th School Committee to Meet on Monday, June 11th Development Review Team Meetings – Week of June 10th Land Use Committee to Meet on Tuesday, June 12th Economic Development Commission to Meet on Tuesday, June 12th Auburndale Historic District Commission Meeting – Tuesday, June 12th Board of Assessor’s to Meet Wednesday, June 13th Newton Housing Authority to Meet Wednesday, June 13th Traffic Council to Meet on Thursday, June 14th Designer Selection Committee to Meet on Thursday, June 14th Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission to Meet Thursday, June 14th Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo Upcoming Events – Week of June 10th “Hello Washington Street” continues its week-long planning events on Monday, June 11th from 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. at 1239 Washington Street and then again on Tuesday, June 12th from 8:30 – 2:30 p.m.  There will also be “Chili Cook-off and Wrap-up” and Presentation and Conversation beginning at 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Former Aquinas School/150 Jackson Road. Tour de Newton- June 17th – The 6th annual Tour de Newton is being transformed into something totally new – the Magical Mystery Tour de Newton.  There will be four 8 mile routes.  Along each of the routes, riders will encounter a series of “magical mysteries”. To sign up to ride or to volunteer – please go to www.bikereg.com/38816 Rove the Cove, June 23rd – The race will be held on Saturday, June 23rd, starting and ending at the picnic area of The Cove in Auburndale.  All proceeds from the race will be donated to the Auburndale Community Library. For more information and to register,  see  http://www.active.com/auburndale-ma/running/distance-running-races/rove-the-cove-5k-2018-46319818. [back to top] Finance Committee to Meet Monday, June 11th and will meet jointly with Public Facilities The Finance Committee will meet on Monday, June 11th at 7:00 p.m. The Finance Committee’s agenda includes the following: Request for authorization to accept a Mass Housing grant of $85,000 to fund a fiscal impact team to analyze financial impacts from potential developments along Washington Street, Needham Street, Riverside and exam the proposed new Zoning Ordinance. The Committee will be joined by the Public Facilities Committee to discuss the following items: Request to transfer $120,000 from Budget Reserve to Public Works Vehicle Maintenance Account to replace three vehicles in the Inspectional Services Department and one vehicle for the Inspector of Weights and Measures Request to appropriate $75,000 from Free Cash to replace the Elliot Street generator and related electric service upgrade Request to transfer $100,000 from Human Resources Full-time Salaries Account to the Public Buildings Repairs and Maintenance Account to fund assorted year-end building improvements Request authorization to transfer $150,000 from the Stormwater Current-Year Budget Reserve to a capital project account to fund a storm water retention system for Franklin Elementary School Request authorization to appropriate $400,000 from the Water Fund Surplus – Available for Appropriation Account for the purpose of making hte FY2018 MWRA Lead Pipe Replacement Program loan payment The Finance Committee will then continue to meet to discuss the following: Request authorization to appropriate $100,000 from Free Cash for fence repairs throughout the City Request authorization to transfer $10,000 from Veteran’s Services Benefits Account to fund War Memorial Veterans Museum improvements Request to transfer $75,000 from Main Library Full-time Salaries Account to Main Library Building Improvements Account to install a new public address system Request to appropriate and expend $150,000 from Free Cash for repairs to 1294 Centre Street, the formerHealth Department Building Commissioner of Public Works requesting approval of various sidewalk/driveway apron/curbcut betterments Request to appropriate $338,000 from bonded indebtedness to fund the rehabilitation of the Forest Grove Pump Station Request authorization to transfer $150,000 from Current Year Budget Reserve to fund repair/replacement of streetlights Request authorization to transfer $40,000 from Police Department Full-time Salaries Account to the Police Department Computer Server Software Account to fund a time and attendance software Request authorization to transfer $100,000 from Current Year Budget Reserve to purchase an incident command vehicle for the Police Department Request to appropriate $121,770 from Free Cash to replace 120 bottles for the self contained breathing apparatus Request to appropriate $33,739 from Free Cash to purchase an extractor and gear dryer for both Fire Stations 1 and 2 Request to transfer $100,000 from the Fire Department Full-time Salaries Account to the Fire Department Electricity Account to cover the increase cost of electricity from the Station 3 addition Request to transfer $10,000 from the Current Year Budget Reserve Account to the Law Department’s Full-time Salaries Account to provide funding for a few week overlap in the Office Manager’s position Request to transfer $30,000 from the Current Year Budget Reserve Account to the Executive Office Consulting Account for the purpose of developing a cultural strategy for the City Request to transfer $25,000 from the Current Year Budget Reserve Account to the Executive Office Consulting Account for the purpose of hiring a consultant to assist the Permit Software Working Group as they prepare to search for new permitting software Request for authorization to transfer $260,000 from the Treasury Long Term Interest Account and $10,000 from the Treasury Advanced Refunding Contribution to cover the costs of the December advanced refunding The Public Facilities Committee agenda can be found here. [back to top] Zoning and Planning Committee to meet Monday, June 11th The Zoning and Planning Committee will meet on Monday, June 11th at 7:00p.m. in Room 205.  The agenda includes the following: Three appointments to the Planning and Development Board (Sudha Maheshwari, Kevin McCormack, and James Robertson and one re-appointment to the Planning and Development Board (Peter Doeringer) Director of Planning providing monthly update on Washington Street corridor plan Director of Planning requesting discussion and adoption of the Needham Street Vision Plan Director of Planning requesting requesting review, discussion and direction regarding the Zoning Redesign project and specifically on a draft policy content outline on the new Zoning Ordinance [back to top] Crescent Street Working Group Meeting – Monday, June 11th The Crescent Street Working Group will meet on Monday, June 11th at 4 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda includes the following: Preparation for the Community Preservation Committee Meeting Discussion of the Third Party Review [back to top] Commission on Disability to Meet on Monday, June 11th The Commission on Disability will meet on Monday, June 11th at 6;30 p.m. in Room 204. The agenda includes the following: CDBG Report Information on the APS Installation at 1600 Washington Street Accessible Fines Report Treasurer’s Report ADA Coordinator’s Report Event Sponsorship:  “Silent Child” movie showing COD Applicant Submission:  Lakshmi Kadambi [back to top] School Committee to Meet on Monday, June 11th The School Committee will meet in Executive Session on Monday, June 11th at 5:30 p.m. in Room 304 at the Ed Center to discuss strategy related to Collective Bargaining. The School Committee will then meet in Open Session at 7:00 p.m. in Room 210 at the Ed Center.  The agenda includes the following: Superintendent’s Report Public Comment End of the Year Report – System Wide Goals 2017-2018 Student Services Update End of the Year Report – Superintendent’s Goals 2017-2018 Equity Guidelines Discussion Vote on EDCO Board Member Vote to approve Field Trips Vote to approve minutes Communications [back to top] Development Review Team Meetings – Week of June 10th The following potential projects will be discussed at Development Review Meetings this week: 1440-1450 Washington Street –  Proposed day care facility 1114 Beacon Street –  Possible 45 unit residential project 61 Forest Street –  Special permit to exceed FAR by constructing dormers on the attic level 156 Oak St, 55 Tower Rd, 275-281 Needham St, 260 Needham St, 160 Charlemont St (a.k.a. “Northland”) – Proposed mixed use development [back to top] Land Use Committee to Meet on Tuesday, June 12th The Land Use Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 12th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.  The agenda includes the following: Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a 455 sq. ft. two-story addition, creating an FAR of .58 where .39 exists and .45 is allowed at 39 Summit Street Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to extend the hours of operation and increase the number of customers at one time, requiring an amendment to Special Permit Board Order #257-13(4) at 145 Wells Avenue Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow a restaurant with greater than 50 seats, a waiver for 12 parking stalls and allow the re-use of an existing non-conforming sign at 342-344 Watertown Street Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a three-story addition in the BU1 district to be used for mixed uses, to allow a building in excess of 20,000 sq. ft., to extend the existing non-conforming structure with regard to height, to extend the existing non-conforming structure with regard to side setback, to allow a restaurant with more than 50 seats, to waive the requirement of using the A-B+C parking formula, to allow a reduction in the overall parking required by 1/3, to waive 27 parking stalls, to allow parking in the front and side setback, to allow reduced parking stall dimensions, to waive end stall maneuvering space requirements, to allow reduced aisle width, to waive perimeter screening requirements, to waive interior landscaping requirements, to waive requirements for interior planting area, tree planting, and bumper overhang area landscaping, to waive lighting requirements, to waive off-street loading facility requirements in Ward 3, West Newton, at 1314 Washington Street, 31 Davis Street and 33 Davis Street (Santander Bank – Mark Development proposal) Request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to allow a multi-family development in a business district with greater than 20,000 gross floor area, with a four-story structure 41’ in height, containing an 18-unit dwelling with ground floor units, to allow an FAR of 1.31, to allow a density bonus to reduce the lot area per unit and increase the number of inclusionary units, to allow a reduction of the requirement for parking to 1.25 stalls per unit, to allow parking in the setback, to allow parking within 5’ of a building containing dwelling units, to waive minimum stall dimension requirements, to allow a reduction in the minimum width of a entrance/exit drive, to allow a reduction in the minimum width of maneuvering aisles, to waive lighting requirements and to waive perimeter landscape screening requirements in Ward, 1, Newton, at 189-193 Adams Court [back to top] Economic Development Commission to Meet on Tuesday, June 12th The Economic Development Commission is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 12th at 7:30 p.m. at the Newton Innovation Center, 124 Vernon Street.  The agendaincludes the following: Economic Development Updates Chair Update – Introduction of New Members Review of the Camoin Economic Development Strategy/Recommendations and decide the role of the EDC in Implementing the plan Review of the proposed new program for the EDC to engage with Newton’s business community [back to top] Auburndale Historic District Commission Meeting – Tuesday, June 12th The Auburndale Historic District Commission will meet on Tuesday, June 12th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205. The agenda includes the following: Request to repair and change the rear entry porch at 304 Central Street Request for feedback on changes to front and rear entry porches at 115 Windermere Road Request to build an accessible unit addition and deck, and build an accessible ramp and entrance at 25 Hancock Street The staff memo can be found here and the packet documents can be found here. [back to top] Board of Assessor’s to Meet Wednesday, June 13th The Newton Board of Assessor’s is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, June 13th at 9:00 a.m. in Room 108.  The agenda can be found here. [back to top] Newton Housing Authority to Meet Wednesday, June 13th The Newton Housing Authority is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, June 13th at 3:00 p.m. at 82 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands.  The agenda can be found here. [back to top] Traffic Council to Meet on Thursday, June 14th The Traffic Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 14th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211.  The agenda includes the following: Request for No Parking – Tow Zone on Upland Road on the odd side of the roadway between Mill and Pheasant Road to be in effect Monday-Friday, School Days only, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) and to have a discussion on incorporating this section of roadway into the Newtonville Neighborhood Parking District Request for No Parking- Tow Zone on Pheasant Road on the even side of the roadway between Upland Road and Kirkstall Road to be in effect Monday-Friday, School Days only, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) and to have a discussion on incorporating this roadway into the Newtonville Neighborhood Parking District Request for a  “No Turn on Red” signs at the following locations: (a) end of the school driveway that exits onto Beacon Street (b) corner of Manitoba Road and Beacon Street to enhance safety Request to expand the  Auburndale- Village Parking District to include the following street segments: (1) Woodland Road between Grove Street and Hawthorne Avenue; (2) Hawthorne Avenue between Woodland Road and Aspen Avenue. Note that no changes to the parking regulations are proposed to occur along this section of Woodland Road, where no parking is allowed at any time. The following restriction is proposed for consideration along one or both sides of Hawthorne Avenue between Woodland Road and Aspen Avenue: 1 or 2-hour limit, Monday-Friday, except by Auburndale Permit Request to expand the Auburndale- Village Parking District to include the following street segments: (1) Woodland Road between Hawthorne Avenue and Windermere Road; (2) Windermere Road between Woodland Road and Commonwealth Avenue. Note that no changes to the parking regulations are proposed to occur along this section of Woodland Road, where no parking is allowed at any time. The following restriction is proposed for consideration along one or both sides of Windermere Road between Woodland Road and Commonwealth Avenue: 1 or 2- hour limit, Monday-Friday, except by Auburndale Permit Request to expand the Auburndale Village Parking District to include the following street segment: Aspen Avenue between Washington Street and Hawthorne Avenue. Note that no changes to the parking regulations are proposed to occur along this section of Aspen Ave except by Auburndale Village Parking District Permit Request to change the official parking regulations on Woodland Road in order to make it consistent with the signage currently posted on the street Request for Resident Permit Parking Only, Monday through Sunday, except legal holidays on Windermere Road between Woodland Road and Commonwealth Avenue to deter student parking Request to modify the parking regulations on Crafts Street (Watertown Street to Waltham Street) and on Waltham Street (Crafts Street to the Waltham City Line), in order to facilitate traffic calming and to create bicycle lanes. The amount of parking on the street would be reduced, with parking generally alternating between the north and south side, by block, along Waltham Street and a portion of Crafts Street [back to top] Designer Selection Committee to Meet on Thursday, June 14th The Designer Selection Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 14th at 6:00 p.m. in the Trustee’s Room at the Newton Free Library.  The agenda includes the following: Newton Center for Active Living Facilities Program Study OPM Interviews [back to top] Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission to Meet Thursday, June 14th The Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 14th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205.  The agenda includes the following: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace 9 windows at 74 Rockland Place, Unit 3 Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to convert an historic barn/garage into a dwelling unit at 1272 Boylston Street The staff memo can be found here and packet documents can be found here. [back to top] Good Morning Newton Residents,    Here's my weekly update on Newton's community and local government.  Click on any of these titles or scroll through all the notices below. Notable Events – Week of April 22nd Boston College Neighborhood Council Meeting – April 26th Financial Audit Subcomittee Meeting – Tuesday, April 24th Solid Waste Commission to Meet on Tuesday, April 24th Licensing Commission to Meet, Tuesday, April 24th Council on Aging and Advisory Board Meeting – Tuesday, April 24th Board of Library Trustees Meeting – Wednesday, April 25th Newton Citizens Commission on Energy Meeting – April 25th Conservation Commission to Meet on April 26th Newton Historical Commission Meeting – April 26th City Council Committee Meetings – Week of April 22nd – FY2019 Budget Discussions Begin MBTA Community Meeting – Monday – April 30th – Proposed Newton Highlands Green Line Station Improvements Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo Notable Events – Week of April 22nd Here are a few events you might find interesting: Needham Street Vision Plan –  TONIGHT, April 23rd from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at 27 Christina Street.  After a short presentation, there will be an open house format with 6 stations (overall process, environmental health, transportation, land use, design, and implementation) for the public to visit and share their views.  More information can be found here. Austin Street Design Competition:  There’s a design competition going on now until 4:00 p.m. on May 1,2018 for the garden at the Austin Street Development. If your ideas are used, you could win $100 gift certificate to the Craft Beer Cellar (for those who are 21 and up) or a $100 gift certificate to Cook, Aji, Brewer’s Coalition or Rox’s Diner.  Up to three winners may be selected.  Austin Street Partners is also hosting an event at the Paint Bar TONIGHT, April 23rd from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.to make dioramas of your favorite gardens.  More information can be found here and go here to sign up or enter your design. Zoning Redesign Drop-in Session-Wednesday, April 25th from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Room 106 at Newton City Hall. [back to top] Boston College Neighborhood Council Meeting – April 26th The Boston College Neighborhood Council will meet on Thursday, April 26th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 106.  The Council will discuss Boston College’s application to install wireless communications equipment on buildings along the Centre Street and Commonwealth Avenue campuses. [back to top] Financial Audit Subcomittee Meeting – Tuesday, April 24th The Financial Audit Subcomittee will meet on Tuesday, April 24th at 8:14 a.m. in Room 211.  The agenda includes a meeting with the Auditor to review Committee goals for the audit as well as have the auditor alert the committee to any new issues . [back to top] Solid Waste Commission to Meet on Tuesday, April 24th The Long-Term Sustainable Materials Management Goals Subcomittee of the Solid Waste Commission is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, April 24th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Newton Free Library in Room A.  The agenda includes the following: Discussion of subcommittee’s goals to evaluate and prepare for a long-term strategy for trash and recycling policies Discuss the Department of Public Work’s Sustainable Materials Management Framework Report that was done in June, 2017 and other data Develop a preliminary timeline [back to top] Licensing Commission to Meet, Tuesday, April 24th The Newton Board of License Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, April 24th in Room 204.  The Meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a discussion about enacting the Lodging House Regulations, followed by it’s regular meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. The agenda includes a discussion about the possibility of hosting a Craft Beer Tasting at the West Newton Farmer’s Market, a number of one-day wine and malt license requests, several entertainment license requests, 2 new common victualler and annual entertainment license requests (District 118 Ktichen and Bar and Tri-City Wings and Grill) and one all new alcohol license request(55 Boylston Street – Tender Greens). [back to top] Council on Aging and Advisory Board Meeting – Tuesday, April 24th The Council on Aging and Advisory Board will meet on Tuesday, April 24th at 7:30 p.m. at the Newton Senior Center, 345 Walnut Street.  The agenda includes the following: Report from the Chair/Director –  Status of appointment of new chair and new CAL process update Membership Report Springwell Report Senior Citizens Fund Report Working Group reports on housing, transportation, and engagement Legislative Report – FY19 Formula Grant process [back to top] Board of Library Trustees Meeting – Wednesday, April 25th The Board of Library Trustees will meet on Wednesday, April 25th at 9:00 a.m. in the Trustees Room at the Newton Free Library.  The agenda includes the following: Reports from the President, Treasurer, Library Director, Development, Friends and Committee 2019 Budget Renovation Design Planning Visitor’s Discussion [back to top] Newton Citizens Commission on Energy Meeting – April 25th The Newton Citizens Commission on Energy will meet on Wednesday, April 25th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205.  The agenda includes the following: Membership changes Update on Power Choice Improving Performance of Buildings Climate Action Plan [back to top] Conservation Commission to Meet on April 26th The Conservation Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 26th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda includes the following (note abbreviations – RDA:  Request for Determination of Applicability; NOI:  Notice of Intent): 73 Beaconwood Road – Request for a release from an enforcement order for 2011 violation City of Newton -DPW –  various locations throughout the City – RDA- annual roadway maintenance and water main replacement 270 Islington Road – RDA for hazardous tree removal, replacement of impervious patio with pervious surface, and dock repairs 2345 Commonwealth Avenue (Marriott Hotel) – RDA for replacement of gazebo and staircase 56 Farwell Street – NOI to construct six single-family homes and driveways, construct a new private road, increase flood storage capacity, and implement restoration planting plan 79 Staniford Street – NOI to demolish single-family home and accessory uses and replace with new single-family home 96 Suffolk Road – Request for an amendment to Order of Conditions issued in 2017 100 Upland Avenue – Request for a Certificate of Compliance for completed work Packet information supplementing the agenda can be found here. [back to top] Newton Historical Commission Meeting – April 26th The Newton Historical Commission will meet on Thursday, April 26th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205.  The agenda includes the following: 46 Walnut Park – Request for Landmark Designation- CLG Eligibility Report 193 Lake Avenue – Request for Landmark Designation- CLG Eligibility Report 128 Chestnut Street – (National Register property) – Request for Local Landmark Designation 79 Staniford Street – Request for full demolition 27 Orris Street – Request for full demolition 14 Orris Street – Request for partial demolition (add second story and enclose porch) 39 Summit Street – Request for partial demolition (additions to front and rear) 919 Walnut Street – Request for partial demolition (side and rear) 145 Warren Street – (National Register property) – Request for partial demolition (preserve house, demolish shed/garage and add 3 units of single-family housing units to the rear) Packet documents supplementing the agenda (it is very long and may be slow to load) can be found here and staff memo can be found here. Please also note:  some properties are granted demolition approval administratively (without a public hearing) reviewed by staff and by the Chair of the Newton Historical Commission.  A listing of those administratively approved properties are found every month at the end of the Newton Historical Commission minutes. [back to top] City Council Committee Meetings – Week of April 22nd – FY2019 Budget Discussions Begin Finance Committee:  The Finance Committee will meet on Monday, April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211.  The agenda includes the following: Request for authorization to appropriate and expend $350,000 from Free Cash to the Rainy Day Stabilization Fund Submission of Investment Policy (on behalf of the Investment Advisory Committee) for the Rainy Day Stabilization Fund Discussion with City’s Procurement Officer regarding criteria for hiring consultants Budget and CIP Review of the following departments: Information Technology Human Resources Financial Information Systems Comptroller Request to rescind previous order authorizing bond issuance of $75,000 for funding library renovations and instead transferring $75,000 from the Library’s Full-time Salaries Account to the Library Consultants Account Re-appointment of James Mnookin to the Investment Advisory Committee Appointment of Ward 4 Councilor Chris Markiewicz to the Twombly House Fund The CIP can be found here and the Supplemental CIP can be found here. Zoning and Planning Committee:  The Zoning and Planning Committee will meet on Monday, April 23rd at 7:15 p.m. in Room 205.  The agenda includes the following: Budget and CIP Review of the following departments: Inspectional Services CPA Administration Planning and Development Discussion with the Planning Department regarding the Zoning Redesign Event series The CIP can be found here and the Supplemental CIP can be found here. Joint Finance Committee/Programs and Services Committee:  Both Committees will hold a special budget meeting on Tuesday, April 24th in the Council Chambers to review the FY2019 School Department Budget and CIP.  See Superintendent’s Proposed FY2019 Budget,and the Budget Summary from the Mayor’s FY2019 Budget book. The agenda can be found here. The CIP can be found here and the Supplemental CIP can be found here. Programs and Services Committee:  The Programs and Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 25th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211.  The agenda includes the following: Appointment of Leland Fisher as a Trustee to the Jackson Homestead Budget and CIP Review of the following departments: Veteran’s Services Newton Free Library Historic Newton/Newton History Museum Parks and Recreation The CIP can be found here and the Supplemental CIP can be found here. Public Facilities Committee:  The Public Facilities Committee will hold a special budget meeting on Thursday, April 26th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211 to review the following: Budget and CIP Review of the Public Buildings Department Request to transfer $650,000 from the Capital Stabilization Fund to replace the Lincoln-Elliot HVAC system The CIP can be found here and the Supplemental CIP can be found here. The agenda can be found here. [back to top] MBTA Community Meeting – Monday – April 30th – Proposed Newton Highlands Green Line Station Improvements The MBTA will be hosting a community meeting on Monday, April 30th at the Women’s Club of Newton Highlands, 72 Columbus Street, to discuss proposed pedestrian accessibility improvements to the Newton Highlands Green Line MBTA Station.  These improvements include: reconstruction of existing ramps from Walnut Street and from Station Avenue a new pedestrian ramp from Hyde Street to the “Inbound” Platform side of the tracks reconstruction of both the inbound and outbound platforms to be raised to provide easier access to the Green Line cars new lighting new covered bike rack new benches new trash receptacles More information can be found here. [back to top] Happy Holidays!   Below you will find this week's City Council and other Board and Commission Meetings.  A few things to note: Lincoln-Eliot proposal/project was rejected by the MSBA (For more information, ask your School Committee members) There is a request for a consistency ruling on the Austin Street project which will be taken up by the Land Use Committee TONIGHT (see below) TONIGHT will be the last full City Council meeting of the year - with 7 members retiring from the Council. Last Full City Council Meeting of the Year – TONIGHT The 2015-2017 City Council will meet for the last time TONIGHT at 7:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers.  The reports docket can be found here. Please note:  Retiring members of the City Council will be given 5 minutes to give their final remarks. [back to top] City Council Committee Meetings Week of December 17th The following City Council Committees are scheduled to meet this week: Land Use Committee:  The Land Use Committee will meet TONIGHT at 6:45 p.m. in Room 205 to discuss the following:  request for an extension of time to exercise a special permit to demolish a 2 story building and construct a 3-story multi-family structure with 13 units at 429 Cherry Street; request to withdraw a special permit request to relocate an existing dwelling, add a unit to the rear of the building and construct two additional single family dwellings in an MR-1 District at 336 Newtonville Avenue, request for a Consistency Ruling for the Austin Street project (see Planning Memo) and 15 Class 2 Auto Dealer License Renewals.  The agenda and supporting information (including the Austin Street Council Order) can be found here. Finance Committee:  The Finance Committee will meet TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211 to discuss the following:  reappointment of the Comptroller, Sue Dzikowski; a request authorization to accept a $50,000 grant from the Massachusetts Preservation Project Fund for the East Parish Burying Ground project; a request for an ordinance amendment requiring seasonal water users not eligible for an outdoor water meter to pay a surcharge for the use of sewerage works in proportion to water consumption; and request for authorization to settle a claim against the Newton Public Schools for $10,000 to be taken from the School Department Budget.  The agenda can be found here. [back to top] Other City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of December 17th The following City Boards and Commissions are scheduled to meet this week: Parks and Recreation Commission:  The Parks and Recreation Commission is scheduled to meet TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204 and is expected to discuss the following:  Commissioner reports on Programs, Forestry and Maintenance,  proposal for renaming the Waban Hill Reservoir, and Committee Reports on the following:  Community Preservation Committee, Farm Commission, Cabot Redesign Committee, Commonwealth Golf Course, Off-Leash Area Working Group, Crystal Lake Working Group, Athletic Fields Working Group, and the Nahanton Park Committee.  The agenda can be found here. Community Preservation Committee:  The Community Preservation Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, December 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria – located in the Basement of Newton City Hall and is expected to discuss the following:  The Jackson Road/Haywood House Senior Housing proposal request for $2,500,000 in CPA off-cycle funding,  A public hearing on proposed revisions for funding guidelines (including: percentage of funding targeted for each CPA-eligible resource (affordable housing, historic resources, open space/outdoor recreation land); principles for prioritizing projects that are CPA-appropriate as well as CPA eligible; expectations for matching, non-CPA funds in different project categories),  originally announced for the December 14th meeting , has been rescheduled.  But, you can still submit comments or questions to aingerson@newtonma.gov.  The agenda can be foundhere. Council on Aging:  The Council on Aging is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, December 19th at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, 345 Walnut Street and is expected to discuss the following:  Chair/Director’s report on Conversations with Mayor Elect Fuller and the transition team; submission of paper on Goals; changes in the administration; the Needham Street Visioning Committee and the Council on Aging Structure moving forward.  In addition, the COA will its usual reports from membership, Springwell, Senior Citizens Report Fund, Working Groups (Housing – including safety check list, Newton Centre Housing meeting, recommendation for senior housing, new member to housing group), Transportation, Engagement, Legislative Report and an update on the Jackson Road/Haywood Housing Development proposal.  The agenda can be found here. Licensing Commission:  The Board of Licensing Commission will meet on Tuesday, December 19th at 6:30 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda can be found here.  Of note:  continued discussion of the Lodging House Regulations and a new Common Victualler License for  Eleven Eleven Health Bar located at 87 Union Street.  The agenda can be found here. Newton Free Library Board of Trustees:  The Newton Free Library Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, December 20th at 9:00 a.m. in the Trustees Room at the Newton Free Library.  The agenda can be found here. Newton Board of Assessors:  The Newton Board of Assessors are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, December 20th at 9:00 a.m. in Room 108. The agenda can be found here. Urban Design Commission:  The Urban Design Commission is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, December 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the Planning Department Conference Room – B10 and is expected to review the following requests for sign permits: 47 Lincoln Street – Aer Nailbar 60 Needham Street – Burn Boot Camp 1507 Washington Street – Learning Prep School 67 Crafts Street – Hearty Teriyaki 42-44 Langley Road – Yosemite Eyewear 141 Needham Street – AAA Piccadilly Square – Comprehensive Sign Package The agenda can be found here. Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission:  The Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, December 21st at 7:30 p.m. in Room 205 and is expected to discuss the following requests for Certificate of Appropriateness:  request to replace 20 windows at 32 Acacia Avenue, request for approval of existing utility boxes at 100 Suffolk Road, review of 2nd story railing system design and request for approval of vent pipes, mounted speakers and changes to window location on left elevation of rear bump-out at 46 Woodman Road, and a request to build a two-car and one-car garage at 152 Suffolk Road. The agenda can be found here. Conservation Commission:  The Conservation Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, December 21st at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204 and is expected to discuss the following:  Notice of Intent and request for infrastructure improvements to support the development of 8 single-family lots on a new and improved driveway at Carlson Road, informal discussion of possibility of installing benches at Ware’s Cove, and a Notice of Intent regarding demolition of Single Family Home to construct a duplex with drainage, landscaping, grading and a 12″ culvert to create a hydraulic connection between mitigation storage area and the Cold Spring Park Wetland Complex at 73 Beaconwood Road.  The agenda can be found here.Packet documents can be found here. Newton Historical Commission:  The Newton Historical Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, December 21st at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211 and is expected to discuss the following requests for demolition of houses:  96 East Side Parkway, 106 Pine Ridge Road (National Register Property), 24 Morseland Avenue, 42 Greenough Street, 69 Charles Street, and 11 David Road.  There is also a request to replace a front porch and add a rear addition to property located at 133 Park Street ( a National Register property).  The agenda can be found here. Staff memo can be found here and packet documents can be found here. Waban Area Council:  The Waban Area Council will hold its December meeting on Thursday, December 21st at 8:30 p.m. in the Waban Library.  The Notice of the Meeting can be found here. [back to top] Development Review Team Meetings – Week of December 17th, 2017 The following potential projects and proposals will be discussed with the Development Review Team this week: 184 California Street –  Special Permit to construct multi-family dwelling (MAN)(2nd meeting) 175-199 Boylston Street –  (The Shops at Chestnut Hill) Possible special permit amendment and parking waiver to allow use of 260 spaces in parking structure for potential hospital and Newton Centre shuttle service 1238 Chestnut Street –  Discussions regarding property and potential upgrades to buildings and parking areas (MAN) The agenda can be found here. [back to top] Traffic Council Actions – December 13th Meeting The Traffic Council met on Wednesday, December 13th and approved the following:  creation of a no parking zone anytime on Oak Hill Street between Brookline Street and Puddingstone Lane, addition of a stop sign on Trowbridge Street at Norwood Avenue in the westbound direction, extension of a no parking zone on both sides of Norwood Avenue – creating a no parking zone around the bend and reduce the length of the two-hour parking zone on the south side of the street, the addition of a school zone on Crescent Avenue in front of the Newton Montessori School, the addition of language to current signage adding a 6:00 a.m. to an 8:00 a.m. element to the existing two-hour time limit regulations along Crescent Avenue, and the election of David Koses as Chair of the Traffic Council.  The following items were denied:  request for a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Gibbs Street and Sumner Street to address safety concerns.  The following items were voted No Action Necessary:  request the addition of 30 feet of no parking opposite the church parking lot entrance on Norwood Avenue, request a 3 car parking prohibition across from #44 Norwood Avenue in the 6 existing unrestricted parking area, and a request for a change in the direction of traffic flow on Bram Way in order to accommodate reconstruction of the Austin Street parking lot. Please note:  that an item requesting the allowance of flexibility in terms of the location, duration, and pricing of public parking spaces as well as potential changes to traffic circulation within and proximate to the Austin Street parking lot, in order to provide for the reconstruction of the Austin Street parking lot was held with a trial instituted that will provide the flexibility requested that will impact spaces in the Austin Street lot, on Bram Way, on Austin Street between Walnut and Lowell, and within any portion of the Star Market Lot that is under the City’s control. The report can be found here. [back to top] Elementary School Projects – Update The November 2017 Monthly Update on the Elementary School Building Projects can be found here. Please note:  The City Council was informed by the School Committee Chair that the MSBA had rejected the City’s project proposal for the Lincoln-Eliot School renovations. [back to top] Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested. This is the last newsletter that you will receive from me as a Newton City Councilor.  It has been an honor and privilege to serve you over the past 20 years.  I look forward to future communications and work with you in the coming years. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. Wishing you and your families, the happiest of holidays and a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! With warm regards, Amy Mah Sangiolo Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4 I hope you all weathered the snow! Below you will find this week's City Council and other Board and Commission Meetings. A quick update: The City Council voted to reduce it's size and composition from 24 to 16 - 8 elected at-large from each Ward and 8 elected by the Ward last Monday evening by a vote of 17 - 6.  The Mayor quickly sent a letter refusing to sign and forward the request for Home Rule Legislation adding that even if the Council voted to override the veto - the request would still not move forward because he will not sign it.       City Council Committee Meetings – Week of December 10th The following City Council Committees are scheduled to meet this week: Zoning and Planning Committee: The Zoning and Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, December 11th at 7:45 p.m. in Room 205 to discuss the following:  appointment of Sandra Lingley to the Commission on Disability, appointment of Robert Maloney as a Ward 2 member of the Community Preservation Committee, public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment to increase the inclusionary zoning requirement from 15% to 25% requiring some affordable housing units to be designated towards middle income households and create a new formula to calculate payments in lieu of affordable units (see Planning Memo) , and an update on zoning redesign (see Zoning Redesign Update).  The agenda can be found here. Traffic Council:  The Traffic Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211 and is scheduled to discuss the following;  request for review and possible changes to parking regulations on Oak Hill Street between Brookline Street and Puddingstone Lane, request for a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Gibbs Street and Sumner Street, request for a three way stop sign at the intersection of Norwood Avenue and Trowbridge Street, request for an addition of thirty feet of no parking opposite the church parking lot entrance, request for parking prohibitions – 3 spaces in the area of the six existing unrestricted parking space area across from #44 and the addition of 3 unrestricted parking spaces across from #56 Norwood Avenue – removing 3 two-hour parking spaces, request for a flashing school zone/speed limit sign be installed on Crescent Avenue between the rectory and school to address safety concerns, request for no parking signs on Crescent Avenue be changed to LIVE pick up and drop off during school hours, request to allow flexibility in terms of the location, duration, and pricing of public parking spaces as well as potential changes to traffic circulation within and proximate to the Austin Street parking lot, in order to provide for the reconstruction of the Austin Street parking lot, request for a change to the direction of traffic flow on Bram Way, in order to accommodate the reconstruction of the Austin Street parking lot, and nomination, election and term length of Traffic Council Chair.  The agenda can be found here. City Council Caucus:  The new City Council will hold a caucus on Thursday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211, to vote on a new President and Vice President of the City Council.  The agenda can be found here.  In the running are Susan Albright, Cheryl Lappin and Marc Laredo for Council President and Vicki Danbert and Rick Lipof for Vice President.  The agenda can be found here. [back to top] Other City Board and Commission Meetings week of December 10th The following City Board and Commissions are scheduled to meet this week: Planning and Development Board:  The Planning and Development Board will meet jointly with the Zoning and Planning Committee TONIGHT at 7:45 p.m. in Room 205 to hold a public hearing on the proposed , amendment to increase inclusionary zoning units from 15% to 25% for larger projects, and requirement that some affordable units be designated for middle income households; and to hear updates on Zoning Redesign.  The agenda can be found here. Commission on Disability:  The Commission on Disability will meet TONIGHT at 6:30 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda can be found here.  For more information, please contact Jini Fairley by phone at:  617-796-1253 or by email at:  jfairley@newtonma.gov. School Committee:  The School Committee will meet TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m. at the Ed Center, 100 Walnut Street, Room 210.  The agenda can be found here. Economic Development Commission:  The Economic Development Commission will meet on Tuesday, December 12th 7:30 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda can be found here. Community Preservation Committee:  The Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 14th – has been rescheduled to Tuesday, December 19th.  The revised agenda can be found here. Crescent Street Working Group:  The Crescent Street Working Group is scheduled to meet on Thursday, December 14th at 4 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda can be found here. Upper Falls Historic District Commission:  The Upper Falls Historic District Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205 and is expected to discuss the following:  request for feedback on proposed landscape plan demolition of shed and garage for property located at 109 High Street, request for Certificate of Appropriateness for a request to install a dormer for property located at 65 Oak Street, request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace three windows at 51 Pettee Street Unit 42, request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace a front free-standing sign at 280 Elliot Street, request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to rebuild chimneys at 75 High Street, and a request for approval of installed window decals at 1007 Chestnut Street.  The agenda can be found here. [back to top] Development Review Team Meetings – Week of December 10th The Development Review Team will meet on the following potential development projects this week: 156 Otis Street –  Special permit for rear lot subdivision (SR2) 11 East Boulevard Road – Possible variance to construct garage addition to single family dwelling (SR3) 180 Wells Avenue –  Special permit to amend the existing plan of record to reconfigure the parking on site (LMD) [back to top] Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested and please encourage them to sign up!  Folks can also go directly to my website at www.amysangiolo.com and subscribe. As always, I welcome your input on any topic relevant to the Council and our community.  Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. Amy Mah Sangiolo Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4 I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! Below you will find this week's City Council and other Board and Commission Meetings. Just a few things to note: Appraisal in for Webster Woods.  Recount for Ward 4 Councilor set for December 2nd - 10 a.m. in the Newton North High School Cafeteria.  See Notice.  West Newton Enhancement Project Drop-in is scheduled on Tuesday, November 28th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at L’Aroma Café at 15 Spencer Street, West Newton.  More information can be found here.  Zoning Redesign: Discussion/Workshop: “Cracking the Code: Understanding Zoning for Homeowners” will be held at the Newton Free Library on Wednesday, November 29th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  Topics include additions, accessory buildings, garages, fences and retaining walls. RSVP at www.courbanize.com/newtonzoning. 1294 Centre Street: Neighborhood Meeting is scheduled on Thursday, November 30th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at 1310 Centre Street (Lutheran Church of the Newtons). Conceptual plans for the redevelopment of this property and an adjacent rear property can be found here.      City Council Committee Meetings – Week of November 26th The following City Council Committees are scheduled to meet this week: Real Property Reuse Committee:  The Real Property Reuse Committee is scheduled to meet TONIGHT at 6:00 p.m. in Room 211 and is scheduled to discuss a proposed amendment to clarify how properties are classified in regards to purpose, use, and ownership; the procedure to handle reused properties; and to address any other changes that might be needed.  The agenda can be found here.  Please note:  This item was discussed and voted 3 – 0 for approval at the previous meeting of the Real Property Reuse Committee. Finance Committee:  The Finance Committee is scheduled to meet TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211 and will first, meet jointly with the Programs and Services Committee to discuss the following:  transfer of $109,200 from Budget Reserve Snow and Ice to fund overtime staffing and tree service incurred because of severe wind storms.  The Finance Committee will then take up the following:  request to appropriate $1,507,105 from bonded indebtedness to upgrade the City’s financial system to Tyler Technology’s Munis Software, request to appropriate and expend $215,000 from bonded indebtedness for the purpose of purchasing a bucket truck for the Forestry Division of the Parks and Recreation Department, request to appropriate and expend $213,000 from bonded indebtedness for the purpose of renovating three tennis courts at McGrath Park, request to appropriate and expend $192,000 from bonded indebtedness for the purpose of replacing the current Parks & Recreation trash truck with two F-550 6-cubic yard packers – one for trash and one for recycling, request for an abatement of a curb betterment assessment in the amount of $3,400, which improved 321 Central Street Auburndale, request to appropriate $5,000,000 from the November 13, 2017 Overlay Surplus Declaration to fund the Accelerated Roads Program, request to accept and expend a $44,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as part of the Recycling Dividends Grant Program, request to appropriate $35,674.65 from the Judgments and Settlements Account to fund an indemnification award, request to appropriate $2,000,000 from the November 13, 2017 Overlay Surplus Declaration to the Rainy Day Stabilization Fund, and a request to transfer $26,000 within the Comptroller’s budget from the Staffing Reserve Account to the Full-time Salaries Account to support changes in the Comptroller’s Office.  The agenda can be found here. Programs and Services Committee: The Programs and Services Committee is scheduled to meet TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211 to meet jointly with the Finance Committee to discuss the following:   to discuss the following:  transfer of $109,200 from Budget Reserve Snow and Ice to fund overtime staffing and tree service incurred because of severe wind storms.  The agenda can be found here. Zoning and Planning Committee:  The Zoning and Planning Committee is scheduled to meet TONIGHT at 7:15 p.m. in Room 205 to discuss the following:  request to acquire land at 300 Hammond Pond Parkway (see Appraisal), request for an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance and create a lodging house ordinance which would allow for annual fire, safety and health inspections and licensing of buildings, request to amend the Zoning Ordinance to establish licensing requirements and criteria for lodging houses, and a request to increase the Inclusionary Zoning requirement from 15% to 25%.  The agenda can be found here. Land Use Committee:  The Land Use Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, November 28th in the Council Chambers and is expected to discuss the following:  request for a Consistency Ruling regarding a previously issued special permit/site plan approval for property located at 37 Hamlet (Houghton Village) in order to replace an existing maintenance shed and add 159 sq. feet to extend a community room, request for an extension of time to exercise a special permit/site plan approval granted for property located at 157 Herrick Road to rehabilitate Farwell Hall, construct an addition and grant a parking waiver and associated relief from parking lot requirements, request to rezone five parcels at the Northland site and a request for a special permit/site plan approval to allow for non-accessory parking at the Northland site, special permit/site plan approval to legalize a third unit and non-compliant lot area per unit in the existing non-conforming two-family at 69-71 Cherry Street, request for a special permit/site plan approval to relocate an existing dwelling, add a unit to the rear of the dwelling and construct two additional single-family attached dwellings in an MR-1 district, requiring a special permit at 336 Newtonville Avenue, request to rezone three parcels on Langley Road and a special permit/site plan approval to develop 20,000+ sq. ft. of gross square area by razing the existing two-family at 400 Langley and constructing a three-story, 20-unit multi-family apartment building, legitimize a nonconforming deck and setback at 402-404 Langley Road, a reduction of parking to 1.25 stalls per unit or 83 stalls, parking in the side setback, a waiver of dimensional requirements for parking, a waiver for requirements for end stalls, a waiver for the minimum aisle width, a waiver of perimeter screening and interior landscaping requirements, a waiver for lighting and surfacing requirements and a waiver to allow multi-family dwellings in the MR-3 zone, at 392-396, 400, 402-404 Langley Road, request to extend the notification area for special permit petitions, request for a discussion on fees for special permits, and a request for a report from the Planning Department regarding  how many of the affordable units developed at Commonwealth Avenue, Pearl Street, and Eddy Street qualify for inclusion on the State’s Subsidized Housing Inventory List; if a property is not on the list, what can be done to make it eligible.   The agenda can be found here. Public Faciities Committee:  The Public Facilities Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204 and is scheduled to meet jointly with the Public Safety and Transportation Committee on the following items:  request for approval of the West Newton Enhancement Project on Washington Street from Chestnut Street to Lucas Court, request for updates on the Washington Street design, and a request to extend the trial for the sidewalk snow shoveling ordinance.  The Public Facilities Committee will then continue its meeting and discuss the following:  petition for a grant of location to install a new pole on Bellevue Street, a request for a Section 5-58 schematic design and site plan approval for the creation of mixed-use housing, redevelopment of the Reverend Ford Playground, and expand open space by at least 20,000 square feet at 70 Crescent Street, update on the Accelerated Roads Program, update on the Cabot Elementary School construction project, request for an update on the Library Expansion Project and a request for an update on the Archives Expansion Project.  The Public Hearing Notice for the Crescent Street project can be found here and the agenda can be found here. Public Safety and Transportation Committee:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205 and is scheduled to meet jointly with the Public Facilities Committee on the following items:  request for approval of the West Newton Enhancement Project on Washington Street from Chestnut Street to Lucas Court, request for updates on the Washington Street design, and a request to extend the trial for the sidewalk snow shoveling ordinance.  The agenda can be found here. Recodification Committee:  The Recodification Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, November 29th at 8:30 a.m. in the Clerk’s Office.  The agenda can be found here. [back to top] Other City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of November 26th The following City Boards and Commissions are scheduled to meet this week: Crescent Street Working Group:  The Crescent Street Working Group is scheduled to meet TODAY, Monday, November 27th at 4:00 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda can be found here. Council on Aging:  The Council on Aging is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, November 28th at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, 345 Walnut Street.  The agenda can be found here. School Committee:  The School Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, November 28th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 210 at the Ed Center, 100 Walnut Street.  Prior to the School Committee meeting, the School Committee will meet at 6:00 p.m.in Room 304 and hold a caucus to elect new officers.  The Caucus Notice can be found here and the agenda can be found here. Committee on Community Preservation:  The Community Preservation Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, November 28th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 204 and is expected to discuss the following:  request to submit an off-cycle proposal for $2,640,000 in additional CPA funding for design and construction of the 70 Crescent Street mixed-use housing and playground expansion project.  The agenda and pre-meeting packet can be found here. Conservation Committee:  The Conservation Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, November 30th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204 and is expected to discuss the following:  request to amend an Order of Conditions to allow for installation of a blue stone patio and a fire pit for property located at 19 Patten Circle, request for a Notice of Intent for infrastructure improvements to support development of 8 single family dwellings at Carlson Avenue (near Mt. Ida College), ex post facto request for a Notice of Intent for emergency culvert repair and dredging of a detention pond for property located at 77 Florence Street (Hampton Place condominiums), Notice of Intent for demolition of a single-family home to construct a duplex at 73 Beaconwood Road.  The agenda can be found here, and the packet info can be found here. Energy Commission:  The Citizens Commission on Energy is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria and is scheduled to discuss the following;  Community Choice Aggregation, update on the Rumford Solar project (including the proposed and approved fence) and other related solar projects, and an update on Eversource’s proposal to change the net metering rates.  The agenda can be found here. [back to top] Development Review Team Meetings – Week of November 26th The following Development Review Team meetings are scheduled for this week for the following potential projects: 12 Acorn Drive – Special permit to Increase FAR for porch addition to single‐ family dwelling (SR3) 2095 Commonwealth Avenue – Special Permit to allow exceptions from the sign ordinance 26 Owatonna Street –  Proposed rear addition to single‐family dwelling (existing 1953 variance) (SR3) [back to top] Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested and please encourage them to sign up!  Folks can also go directly to my website at www.amysangiolo.com and subscribe. As always, I welcome your input on any topic relevant to the Council and our community.  Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. Amy Mah Sangiolo Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4

Good Morning Newton Residents,    Happy October!! Please note:  the Planning Department will be hosting Zoning Redesign Drop-In sessions. Drop-In on TONIGHT, Monday, October 2nd and Wednesday, November 15th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. For more information, please contact James Freas by email at:  jfreas@newtonma.gov or at:   zoningredesign@newtonma.gov with questions. Below you will find this week's City Council and other Board and Commission Meetings. Development Review Team Meetings – Week of October 1st The Development Review Team will meet this week and discuss the following potential projects: 330 Walnut Street – Possible special permit for existing bank to expand into adjoining space (BU1) [back to top] Other City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of October 1st The following City Boards and Commissions will meet this week: Planning and Development Board:  The Planning and Development Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, October 2nd, at 7:30 p.m. in Room 204 and will discuss the following:  public hearing and discussion of a proposal to develop 83-85 West Street as a housing development project by the Newton Housing Authority and will hear a presentation and hold public comment on the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for FY2017.  The agenda can be found here.  For more information, please contact Rachel Powers by phone at: 617-796-1125 or by email at:  rpowers@newtonma.gov School Committee:  The School Committee is scheduled to meet TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m. at the Ed Center Frasier Room 210.  The Notice of the Meeting can be found here and the agenda can be found here. Crescent Street Working Group:  The Crescent Street Working Group is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 4th at 4:00 p.m. in Room 204 and is expected to discuss the following:  Recap of the Community Meeting, Property Management, Project Budget, and schedule.  The agenda can be found here. Fair Housing Committee:  The Fair Housing Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 4th the Committee will meet at 8:00 a.m. in Room 205 to review the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for FY2017 draft and discuss amendments to the inclusionary zoning ordinance. The agenda can be found here. For more information, please contact Malcolm Lucas by phone at:  617-796-1149 or by email at:  mlucas@newtonma.gov. [back to top] City Council Committee Meetings – Week of October 1st The following City Council Committees are scheduled to meet this week: Public Facilities Committee:  The Public Facilities Committee will hold a special meeting TONIGHT at 7:30 p.m. in Room 211 to review a petition for a grant of location on Carlson Avenue.  The agenda can be found here. Land Use Committee:  The Land Use Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, October 3rd at 7:00 p.m. and is expected to discuss the following:  request for a special permit/site plan approval to legalize third unit and non-compliant lot area per unit in the existing non-conforming two-family at 69-71 Cherry Street, request for a special permit/site plan approval to construct three additions including a mudroom, a second floor addition over an existing porch and extension of a kitchen, further extending the nonconforming FAR from .40 to .44 where .39 is allowed at 715 Commonwealth Avenue, request for a special permit/site plan approval to construct a 764 sq. ft. rear addition to allow for new living space and creating an FAR of .60 where .44 exists and .46 is allowed at 115 Nonantum Street, a request to rezone five parcels at: 156 Oak Street (Parcel 1), 55 Tower Road (Parcel 2), 275-281 Needham Street (Parcel 3), 260 Needham Street(Parcel 4), 160 Charlemont Street(Parcel 5) to BU4 from MU1 (NORTHLAND petition), and a request for a special permit/site plan approval to develop off-site, non-accessory, single-level parking on the parcel at 55 Tower Road (Parcel 2) to serve the existing office building at 156 Oak Street (Parcel 1), requiring a waiver of 84 parking stalls, a waiver to allow nonaccessory parking on a lot separate from the principal use, waivers to allow parking within setbacks, waivers to dimensional requirements for parking stalls, waivers to the maximum width for entrance and exit drives, waivers for perimeter screening requirements for parking facilities, a waiver to interior landscaping requirements for parking facilities, waivers to lighting requirements for parking facilities, and waivers to the requirement for curbing, wheel stops, guard rails, and bollards at 156 Oak Street and 55 Tower Road.  The agenda can be found here. Please note that other items on the agenda have been postponed. Also please note that the Planning Department has issued a memo regarding developing a Vision for Needham Street which can be found here. Recodification Committee:  The Recodification Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, October 3rd in Room 211 at 8:00 a.m. and will review Chapters 17 and 20 and other fees and fines. The agenda can be found here. Programs and Services Committee:  The Programs and Services Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 4th beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Room 211 and then in the Council Chambers and is expected to discuss the following:  appointment of Ethan Tieger to the Newton Commonwealth Foundation, re-appointment of Bethel Charkoudian  Arthur Magni Peter Kastner, Byron Dunker, Andrew Stern, Richard Tucker, Patrick Palmer, Jack Neville, Michael Clarke, and Sam Figler to the Newton Parks and Recreation Commission, and will hold public hearings on the following:  citizens petition requesting requesting a Resolution from the City Council acknowledging the scientifically documented benefits of a later school time and supporting the Newton Public Schools to take action to delay high school start times and a citizens petition requesting adoption of measures ensuring the City Council on deal with local issues.  In addition, the Chair will entertain public comment on a request for an amendment to the City Charter to reduce the size of the City Council to 16 – 8 at-large and 8 Ward only should the Charter Commission’s proposal fail.  The agenda can be found here. Public Facilities Committee:  The Public Facilities Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 4th beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204 and will discuss the following:  petition for a grant of location to locate a pole on Windsor Road, update on progress and design of the Washington Street corridor (will meet jointly with Public Safety and Transportation) request for approval of the “City of Newton – Public Buildings Department – Building Design and Construction Sustainability Guidelines, request for a resolution from the City Council in support of H.2683/S.1845 that seeks to protect consumers from leaked gas while providing economic incentive to providers to repair infrastructure so as to reduce methane leaks into the environment, request for a discussion on how the City currently charges residents for sewer extensions and a re-appointment of Marian Rambelle to the Solid Waste Commission.  The agenda can be found here. Public Safety and Transportation Committee:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 4th beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205 and will discuss the following:  update on progress and design of the Washington Street corridor (will meet jointly with Public Facilities), and a request for a discussion with the Fire Department and ISD on how he city may implement a policy and/or ordinance, which clearly states when a sprinkler system is needed in any new construction projects. The Chair will entertain a motion for No Action Necessary on the following items:  a request for a discussion of and possible ordinance change regarding fines associated with a) reducing the fines with parking at a curb cut and  b) increasing the fines when parking at a fire hydrant, and a request for a letter in support of for the redesign of the Auburndale, West Newton and Newtonville Commuter Rail stations. The agenda can be found here. [back to top] City Council Committee Reports – Now Available Real Property Reuse Committee:  The Real Property Reuse Committee met on September 19th and discussed an amendment to the Reuse Ordinance to clarify how properties are classified in regards to purpose, use, and ownership; the procedure to handle reused properties; and to address any other changes that might be needed. The item was held.  The report can be found here. Finance Committee:  The Finance Committee met on Monday, September 25th and voted to approve the following:  request from the Community Preservation Committee to appropriate $300,000 for historic rehabilitation and $677,700 for affordable housing for a total of $977,000 from the Community Preservation Fund, to the Planning & Development in Newton (CAN-DO), to create 8 units of permanently affordable rental housing at 236 Auburn Street, Auburndale, including 5 units in a congregate home to be owned and operated by the Barry L. Price Rehabilitation Center, and a request for special legislation to increase the number of years the City of Newton is authorized to lease the Weeks House from the current period of sixty-five years.The report can be found here. Programs and Services Committee:  The Programs and Services Committee met jointly with the Finance Committee on Monday, September 25th and voted to approve the following:  a request for special legislation to increase the number of years the City of Newton is authorized to lease the Weeks House from the current period of sixty-five years.  The report can be found here. Zoning and Planning Committee:  The Zoning and Planning Committee met on Monday, September 25th and voted to approve the following:  request to amend the zoning of certain residential parcels related to school building projects including 1316, 1330, and 1338 Beacon Streets for the Zervas Elementary School Building project, 23 Parkview Avenue for the Cabot Elementary School Building project and 15 Walnut Park for the Aquinas School Building Project, re-appointment of Jane Ives, Stephen Feller, Howard Barnstone, Joyce Plotkin, Phillip Plottel, and  Peter Kai Jung Lew.  All other items including the request for the estabishment of the Newton Highlands and West Newton Local Historic Districts were held.  The report can be found here. Land Use Committee:  The Land Use Committee met on Tuesday, September 26th and voted to approve the following:  request for withdrawal without prejudice for a special permit/site plan approval request for to use a portion of the legally nonconforming wholesale site to cut and fabricate stone countertops, further extending the nonconforming use to manufacturing at 966 Watertown Street, request for a special permit/site plan approval to construct a single-story rear addition extending the existing non-conforming two-family use at 893 Watertown Street, a request for a special permit/site plan approval to construct three new dormers and increase the size of one existing dormer, exceeding the allowable size of dormers and increasing the FAR to .48 where .46 is required and .42 exists at 18 Meredith Avenue, and a request for a special permit/site plan approval to  to create a third commercial space for ground level health club use and to allow a waivers for 15 parking stalls or to allow required stalls off site at 60 Needham Street.  All other items were held.  The report can be found here. [back to top] City Council to meet on Monday, October 2nd The Full City Council is scheduled to meet on TONIGHT, October 2nd at 7:45 p.m.  The Reports Docket can be found here , the New Docket can be found here and the Docket Addendum can be found here. [back to top] Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested and please encourage them to sign up!  Folks can also go directly to my website at www.amysangiolo.com and subscribe. As always, I welcome your input on any topic relevant to the Council and our community. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. Amy Mah Sangiolo Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4

I hope you had a great back to school week! I can't believe how fast the summer went by!  Tuesday is the Preliminary Election for Mayor of Newton to narrow the field of candidates from 7 to 2.  Please go out and vote!  Polls open a 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.  Polling locations can be found here.

Below you will find this week's City Council and other Board and Commission Meetings.

City Council Meetings – Week of September 10th

The following City Council Committee meetings will be held this week:

Zoning & Planning Committee:  The Zoning and Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, September 11th at 8:00 p.m., in Room 205 to discuss the following:  a proposed zoning amendment for the lodging houses; a proposal to amend ordinances to add licensing requirements and criteria for lodging houses;  a proposed ordinance to allow food trucks on Wells Avenue;  and a proposed discussion of the proposed economic development strategy. The agenda can be found here.  Please contact James Freas by phone at:  617-796-1137 or by email at:  jfreas@newtonma.gov.

Programs and Services Committee:  The Programs and Services Committee is scheduled to meet jointly with the Finance Committee  on Monday, September 11th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211 and discuss the following: request by the City Clerk to place the  question of the new proposed charter on the ballot, a request to appropriate $6,400 from Budget Reserve to mail the Charter Commission’s report, and a request to increase the number of years the City is authorized to lease the Weeks House.  The agenda can be found here.

Finance Committee:  The Finance Committee is scheduled to meet jointly with the Programs and Services Committee on Monday, September 11th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211 to discuss the following:  request by the City Clerk to place the  question of the new proposed charter on the ballot, a request to appropriate $6,400 from Budget Reserve to mail the Charter Commission’s report, a request to increase the number of years the City is authorized to lease the Weeks House, a request to accept and expend the Assistance
to Firefighters’ grant, which is a 90/10 reimbursable grant in the amount of seventy-six
thousand ninety-one dollars ($76,091) for the purchase of Personal Safety/Bailout
systems, a request to accept and expend the Green Communities Grant in the amount of $196,157 for energy  efficiency improvements to the Franklin, Underwood, Williams, and Memorial Spaulding Elementary Schools, a request for approval of the following mentioned sidewalk/driveway apron and/or curb betterments; said betterments to be levied under the provisions of MGL Chapter 83, Sec. 26, authorizing the assessment of betterments for construction, a request for authorization to accept and expend a grant of up to $147,500 from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation offered as part of their Complete Streets Program, recommendation for appropriation of $300,000 for historic rehabilitation and $677,700 for affordable housing for a total of $977,000 from the Community Preservation Fund, to the Planning & Development in Newton (CAN-DO), to create 8 units of permanently affordable rental housing at 236 Auburn Street, Auburndale,
including 5 units in a congregate home to be owned and operated by the Barry L. Price
Rehabilitation Center, as described in CAN-DO’s proposal submitted to the Community
Preservation Committee in May 2017, request to enter into an up to 5-year contract
for ambulance services, re-appointed of Rosemary Larking as a member
of the Newton Taxation Committee for a term of office to expire April 30, 2018, and re-appointment of Doris Breay, as a Trustee of the Horace Cousens Industrial Fund for a term to expire June 1, 2020. The agenda can be found here.

Land Use Committee:  The Land Use Committee meeting has been cancelled.  The Notice of Cancellation can be found here.

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Development Review Team Meetings – Week of September 10th

The Development Review Team will meet to discuss the following proposals:

• 2 Wells Avenue –  Special permit to install secondary sign larger than allowed
  by-right (LM)
• 458 Woodward Street –  Special permit to modify non-conforming single-family
  dwelling by enclosing rear porch (SR2)

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Other City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of September 10th

The following City Boards and Commissions are scheduled to meet this week:

Commission on Disability:  The Commission on Disability will meet on Monday, September 11th at 6:30 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda can be found here.

Licensing Commission:  The Licensing Commission will meet on September 11th at 8:15 a.m. The agenda can be found here.  

Crescent Street Working Group:  The Crescent Street Working Group is scheduled to meet on September 12th at 4: 00 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda can be foundhere.

Preliminary Election:  Yes – an opportunity to vote for me!  The Preliminary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 12th.  Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.  The Notice can be found here.

Economic Development Commission:  The Economic Development Commission is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, September 13th at 7:30 p.m. The agenda can be found here.

Human Rights Commission:  The Human Rights Commission is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, September 13th at 7:00 p.m. The agenda can be found here.

Design Review Committee:  The Design Review Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 13th at 6:00 p.m. in the Trustee’s Room of the Library and will discuss the Crescent Street Housing and Reverend Ford Playground Expansion Project.  The agenda can be found here.

Committee on Community Preservation:  The Committee on Community Preservation will meet on Thursday, September 14th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204 and will have a pre-proposal discussion on 1615 Beacon Street – $600K request by the Suzuki School of Music for historic rehabiliiation, a discussion on – request to apply a portion of remaining unspent CPA funds to expanded scope of work by Historic Newton for the Historic Burying Grounds and  will have a discussion of potential revisions to funding guidelines and a review of current CPC proposal forms & instructions.  The agenda can be found here.

Traffic Council:  The Traffic Council will meet on Thursday, September 14th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211.  The agenda can be found here.

Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission:  The Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission will meet on Thursday, September 14th and will discuss the following:  request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install two additional skylights on rear roof for property located at 2 – 4 Shawmut Park, a request for feedback on a proposed second story addition and second story balcony for property located a 7 Hale Street/336 Elliot Street, and a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish a shed and install a front walkway for property located at 109 High Street.  The agenda can be found here.

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Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested and please encourage them to sign up!  Folks can also go directly to my website at www.amysangiolo.com and subscribe.

As always, I welcome your input on any topic relevant to the Council and our community.

Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind.
Remember to vote on Tuesday!!

Amy Mah Sangiolo
Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4

Happy Labor Day! I hope you all enjoying this last week of summer and having a great weekend and for those with children, getting ready to go back to school! Below you will find this week's City Council and other Board and Commission Meetings. Charter Commission – new language for ballot question The Charter Commission met last week and voted to amend the language summarizing the proposal on the ballot from:  “Effective with the 2019 municipal election, the City Council will be reduced from 24 to 12 with one member representing each of the 8 wards and 4 members who can live anywhere in the City.” to “Effective with the 2019 municipal election, the City Council will be reduced from 24 to 12 with one member from each of the 8 wards and 4 members who can live anywhere.”  The new language can be found here. [back to top] Full City Council to Meet- Tuesday, September 5th This week, the City Council will meet on Tuesday, September 5th at 7:45 p.m. in the Council Chamber.  The Reports Docket can be found here and the new Docket can be found here. [back to top] City Council Committee Meetings – Week of September 3rd The following City Committees are scheduled to meet this week: Public Facilities Committee:  The Public Facilities Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, September 5th at 7:15 p.m. in Room 204 to discuss the following:  grant of location request to install two poles – one at a the corner of Needham and Christina Street and another pole #604/5-1 with guy and anchor on the northerly side, 40’ northerly of pole #604/5; grant of location request to relocate five poles (#604/1, #604/2, #604/3, #604/4 and #604/5) laterally in a southerly direction on Christina Street, grant of location request to install conduit in Needham Street to a proposed relocated Pole #113/31 across from 300 Needham Street and to install conduit southwesterly in Needham Street from Manhole # 47/301 thence turning northwesterly on to Oak Street to proposed relocated Pole #25/1 on Oak Street, and a Mayoral re-appointment of Seth Parker to the Solid Waste Commission. The agenda can be found here. Programs and Services Committee:  The Programs and Services Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, September 5th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211 to discuss the following:  request to recognize September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Mayoral appointment of Karl Munger and reappointment of Edward Marple and John Schwartz to the Biosafety Committee, Mayoral appointment of Julie Norstrand, Chryse Gibson, and Donna Murphy to the Council on Aging, Mayoral re-appointment of Dana Hanson as a Library Trustee, and a request to appropriate $350,000 from Overlay Surplus for the to construct a new combined Parks & Recreation and Police Department facility to be located at the Elliot Street DPW yard.  The agenda can be found here. Recodification Committee:  The Recodification Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, September 6th at 8:30 a.m. in Room 211.  The agenda can be found here. Land Use Committee:  The Land Use Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, September 7th in the Council Chamber and is expected to hold public hearings on the following:  petition for Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a single-story rear addition extending the existing non-conforming two-family use at 893 Watertown Street, Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to use a portion of the legally nonconforming wholesale site to cut and fabricate stone countertops, further extending the nonconforming use to manufacturing at 966 Watertown Street, Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to amend Board Order #229-14 to allow a swing set on Lot 40 at 93 Bellevue Street, a request for a Class 1 Auto Dealer License by Flaherty Equipment Sales Corporation, and a request for a Class 2 Auto Dealer License by the City of Newton, request for a Consistency Ruling regarding modifications to an existing right of way for 103 Court Street, request for $977,000 from Community Preservation funds for an 8- unit affordable housing development at236 Auburn Street, petition for Special Permit/Site Approval to replace the existing non-conforming detached garage with an expanded, connected garage, continuing the non-conforming front setback of 11.4’ where 25’ is required at 155 Monadnock Road. petition for Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to expand the existing auto service business to allow the sale and service of up to ten used cars and waivers to requirements for parking facilities at 454-458 Watertown Street, petition for Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a second story addition over an existing sunroom on the side of the house, extending the non-conforming side setback at 191 Grant Avenue, (or here) petition for Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to  construct a three-story rear addition, further increasing the non-conforming three-story dwelling where 2.5 is the maximum allowed by right at 170-172 Sumner Street, petition for Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a three-story building, up to 36’ high, allow an FAR of 1.5, waivers to allow parking in the side setback, waiver to allow parking within 5’ of a building or structure containing dwelling units, waivers to allow a reduction in the parking requirement to 1.25 per dwelling unit, relief from parking facility landscaping, and a waivers to the lot area per unit in a multifamily dwelling by 25% to allow for an affordable unit at 386-394 Watertown Street,petition for Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to amend Board Order #437-03 to create a third commercial space for ground level health club use and to allow a waivers for 15 parking stalls or to allow required stalls off site at 60 Needham Street.  The agenda can be found here. Programs and Services Committee:  The Programs ad Services Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, September 6th at 7:45 p.m. in Room 211 and is expected to discuss the following:  Mayor’s Request to increase the number of Library Trustees from 5 – 7 members, request to allow food trucks in the City of Newton – initially at Wells Avenue, request to place a non-binding question on the ballot:  “Do you support rezoning village center to allow 4 and 5 story mixed use buildings near public transit with retail on the first floor and apartments above as the City is recommending in to update Newton’s Zoning Ordinance for future growth?”, a public hearing on a citizen’s petition to discuss and repeal the Welcoming City Ordinance, Mayoral re-appointments to the Parks and Rec Commission  for the following members:  Bethel Charkoudian, Arthur Magni, Peter Kastner, Byron Dunker, Andrew Stern, Richard Tucker, Patrick Palmer, Jack Neville, Michael Clarke, and Sam Figler. The agenda can be found here. Public Facilities Committee:  The Public Facilities Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, September 6th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204 and is expected to discuss the following:  Mayoral appointment of Brita Lundberg to the Solid Waste Commission; five public hearings: petition for grant of location to install conduit in front of 25 Maple Avenue,  petition for a grant of location to install conduit to a pole at the corner of Newtonville Avenue, petition for a grant of location to install conduit to upgrade the existing service at 413 Hammond Street, petition for a main drain extension in Park Avenue to a proposed manhole located in front of 94 Park Avenue, and a petition for a main drain extension in Suffolk Road to a proposed drain manhole located in front of 46 Suffolk Road; and an update on the FY2018 Accelerated Roads Program. The agenda can be found here. Public Safety and Transportation Committee:  The Public Safety and Transportation Committee meeting has been cancelled.  The Notice of Cancellation can be found here. [back to top] Other City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of September 3rd The following City Boards and Commissions are scheduled to meet this week: Fair Housing Committee: The Fair Housing Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, September 6th at 8:00 a.m. in Room 205 and will review a proposed amendment to Kesseler Woods special permit and will discuss next steps for auditing for housing discrimination in Newton.  For more information, please contact Malcolm Lucas by phone at 617-796-1149 or by email at:  mlucas@newtonma.gov. The agenda can be found here. School Committee:  The School Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 6th at 8:00 a.m. at the Ed Center, Room 210.  The agenda can be found here. Conservation Commission:  The Conservation Commission will meet on Thursday, September 7th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204 and discuss the following:  Request to remove 4 dead trees from landscaped slope, lower yard, & front yard at 57 Kingswood Road,  request to demolish parts of an existing single-family home & rear deck/stairs; construct 1 and 2-story additions and new deck/stair and include mitigation landscaping at 64 Selwyn Road, request for demolition of an existing single-family home to construct a duplex with drainage, landscaping,grading, and 12” culvert at 73 Beaconwood Road, and a request for a Certificate of Compliance for an addition, deck, mitigation plantings at 20 Parsons Street.  The agenda can be found here and the packet documents can be found here. Newtonville Historic District Commission:  The Newtonville Historic District Commission will meet on Thursday, September 7th at 7:30 in Room 205 and will discuss the following:  request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to expand driveway and replace curbing for property located at 161 Lowell Avenue and request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace a fence and gate for property located at 47 Prescott Street. The agenda can be found here. [back to top] Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested and please encourage them to sign up!  Folks can also go directly to my website at www.amysangiolo.com and subscribe. As always, I welcome your input on any topic relevant to the Council and our community. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. Amy Mah Sangiolo Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4

Mailing address: Amy Mah Sangiolo 389 Central Street Auburndale, MA 02466 Add us to your address book

I hope you all had a great week!  I just returned from dropping my daughter off to school!  I was so moved by the President's Lee Bollinger's Convocation speech to the Class of 2021.  I am proud to be an alumna of the University and very proud that my daughter and the Class of 2021 will have an opportunity to learn and grow under his leadership! There are no City Council meetings this week. Below you will find a listing of other city boards and commissions and additional announcements for this week.    Charter Commission to meet Tuesday, August 29th Additional Notices   Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested and please encourage them to sign up!  Folks can also go directly to my website at www.amysangiolo.com and subscribe. As always, I welcome your input on any topic relevant to the Council and our community. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. Enjoy the rest of your summer!! Amy Mah Sangiolo Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4 Charter Commission to meet Tuesday, August 29th The Charter Commission will meet this Tuesday, August 29th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211.  After the Commission reviews and approves the minutes and receive public comments, the Commission will take up the Ballot Question Summary.  The agenda can be found here. [back to top] Additional Notices Election Commission Ballot Testing:  The Election Commission will conduct testing on the ballot machines for the Preliminary Election beginning on Monday, August 28th through Wednesday, August 30th in the Basement in Room B09. The Notice can be found here. Cabot School School Building Committee and Design Review Committee:  There is a Cabot School Building Committee and Design Review Committee meeting scheduled for August 31st.  The link for the agenda will not load.  Please contact the Public Buildings Department for more information by phone at:  617-796-1600. Planning Department Notice of Intent to Release Funds:  The Planning Department issued a Notice of Intent to Request to Release Funds as part of their management of the Housing Rehabilitation and Development program because they are required to do an environmental review for each project and may require consultation regarding existence and removal of lead paint.  Written Comments will be accepted by August 31st and then the City of Newton will submit to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development  which will accept comments up to 15 days following submission.  The Notice can be found here. August 31st Deadline to submit Comments on Proposed NStar rate increases: The deadline to submit comments regarding  the proposed NStar Rate increases is August 31st.  Written comments and petitions for leave to intervene or to participate should be addressed to: Mark D. Marini, Secretary, Department of Public Utilities, One South Station, 5th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Receipt by the Department, not mailing, constitutes filing. In addition to the above filing requirement, one (1) copy of all materials flied with the Department should be ·sent to- each of the following: (1) Marc J. Tassone, Hearing Officer, Department of Public Utilities, One South Station, 5th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110; (2) Cheryl M. Kimball, Keegan Wedin LLP, 265 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 (counsel for the Companies); and (3) Joseph W. Rogers, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Ratepayer Advocacy, One Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108. Further, in addition to paper filings with the Department, all documents also must be submitted to the Department in electronic format using one of the following methods: (1) bye-mail attachment to dpu.efiling@state.ma.us and the Hearing Officer, Marc.Tassone@state.ma.us; or (2) on a CD-ROM. The text of the e-mail or CD-ROM must specify: (1) the docket number of the proceeding (D.P.U. 17-05); (2) the name of the person or company submitting the filing; and (3) a brief descriptive title of the document. The electronic filing should also include the name, title, and telephone number of a person to contact in the event of questions about the filing. Documents filed with the Department will be available for public inspection at its offices during business hours and through its website by looking up the docket by its number in the docket database at: http: I /web 1. env. state. ma. us/DPU /File Room/ dockets/bynumber (insert 17-05). A copy of the Companies’ revised rate design proposal is available for inspection during regular business hours at the following locations: (1) the Companies’ offices, 24 7 Station A venue, Westwood, Massachusetts 02096; (2) the· Moise’ Institute Library, 14 E.Central St, Natick, Massachusetts 01760; (3) the Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116; (4) the Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138; (5) the Sturgis Library, 3090 Main Street, Barnstable, Massachusetts 02630; (6) the New Bedford Free Public Library, 613 Pleasant Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740; (7) the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts 02360; (8) the Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201; (9) the Springfield City Library, 220 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01103; (10) the Vineyard Haven Public Library, 200 Main St, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts 02568; (11) the Greenfield Public Library, 402 Main Street, Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301; and (12) the Department’s offices, One South Station, D.P.U. 17-05 Page 10 5th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. In addition, ·the revised rate design proposal is also available on the Department’s website at: http://web1.env.state.ma.us/DPU/FileRoom/dockets/bynumber (enter·”17-05″). Notice can be found here. [back to top]

Mailing address: Amy Mah Sangiolo 389 Central Street Auburndale, MA 02466

Happy end of August!  For those of you taking your kids off to college - wishing you good luck!  Sending my daughter off this weekend!

Below you will find a listing of the City Council Committee Meetings for this week as well as meetings of other city boards and commissions.
  

• City Council Meetings – Week of August 19th
• Other City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of August 19th

Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested and please encourage them to sign up!  Folks can also go directly to my website at www.amysangiolo.com and subscribe.

As always, I welcome your input on any topic relevant to the Council and our community.

Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind.
Enjoy the rest of your August too!


Amy Mah Sangiolo
Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4

City Council Meetings – Week of August 19th

There are no City Council meetings scheduled for this week.

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Other City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of August 19th

The following City Boards and Commissions are scheduled to meet this week:

The Crescent Street Working Group:  The Crescent Street Working Group is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, August 22nd at 4 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda can be found here.

Newton Historical Commission:  The Newton Historical Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, August 24th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205 and is scheduled to discuss the following requests for full demolition:  2163 Commonwealh Avenue, 31 Jacobs Terrace, 46 Exeter Street, 121 Arlington Street, 85 Waban Hill Road North,5 Harwich Road and 189‐193 Adams Street.

The Commission will also discuss the following requests for partial demolition:  85 Otis Street, NR, 185 Franklin Street, 432 Cherry Street, LL and 16 Fountain Street, NR.

The following requests for a waiver to be heard includes:  5 Chester Street and 240 Otis Street.

A detailed agenda can be found here. For more information, please contact Katy Hax Holmes by phone at:  617-796-1143 or by email at:  kholmes@newtonma.gov.

Urban Design Commission: The Urban Design Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, August 24th at 7:00 p.m. inthe Planning Department’s Conference Room (B10) and is scheduled to discuss the following sign requests:  55 BoylstonStreet – The Container Store, 335 Boylston Street – Newton Surgery, 335 Boylston St – The Spiegel Center, 290 Centre St – Newton Dental Group, 300 Boylston St – Dana Farber, 97M Union St – Erin Gates Design, 790 Beacon St – LYMBR, 105‐119 Elm St – Constantine Place, Two Wells Avenue – Two Wells Avenue, 4‐6 Lincoln St – Grape Leaf, 200 Boylston St – Precision Running.  The agenda can be found here,the packet of information can be found here and the staff memo can be found here. For more information, please contact Rachel Blatt by phone at:  617-796-1127 or by email at:  rblatt@newtonma.gov .

Upcoming Events

Events List Navigation

Ellison Road Meet and Greet with Amy Sangiolo and Anping Shen for School Committee

Saturday, August 5, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

55 Ellison Road, Newton Centre

Yongqi Deng invites you to a meet and greet with mayoral candidate Amy Sangiolo and Ward 3 School Committee candidate Anping Shen at his home at 55 Ellison Road, Newton Centre. Please join us to meet Amy and find out about her vision for Newton’s future. We look forward to seeing you there! Saturday, August 5, 3:00pm

Find out more »

Briar Lane Meet & Greet

Wednesday, August 16, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

7 Briar Lane, Newtonville

Fred Arnstein and Pamela Geib invite you to a meet and greet with Amy Sangiolo at their home at 7 Briar Lane, Newtonville. Please join us to meet Amy and find out about her vision for Newton’s future. We look forward to seeing you there! Wednesday, August 16, 7:30pm

Good Morning Newton Residents,

Good Morning Newton Residents,
  
Happy Summer everyone!  Crazy weather but hope you're having fun!

Below you will find a listing of the City Council Committee Meetings for this week as well as meetings of other city boards and commissions.

Please note:

• The Planning Department will be popping up at local Farmers Markets and will be at the Cold Springs Farmers Market on Tuesday, August 8th from 1:30 - 6:00 p.m.Find out more about the new Accessory Apartment ordinance,  the upcoming Zoning Redesign events, and the new street designs for West Newton and Walnut Streets! 
• The Department of Public Works has released a list of City streets listed alphabetically containing the length, width and PCI - all in preparation for an update that will be provided to the Public Facilities on this year’s road maintenance program and their 5 year plan on September 6th.

  

• City Council Meetings – Week of August 6th
• Other City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of August 6th
• Development Review Team Meetings – Week of August 6th

 

Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested and please encourage them to sign up!  Folks can also go directly to my website at www.amysangiolo.com and subscribe.

As always, I welcome your input on any topic relevant to the Council and our community.

Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind.


Amy Mah Sangiolo
Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4
Happy mid-August!  

Below you will find a listing of the City Council Committee Meetings for this week as well as meetings of other city boards and commissions.
  

• Announcements
• City Council Meetings – Week of August 13th
• City Council Committee Reports
• Other Board and Commission Meetings
• Additional Information

 

Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested and please encourage them to sign up!  Folks can also go directly to my website at www.amysangiolo.com and subscribe.

As always, I welcome your input on any topic relevant to the Council and our community.

Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind.
Enjoy the rest of your summer too!


Amy Mah Sangiolo
Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4

 

Announcements

Please note the following:

Picnic and Play in the Park:  On Monday, August 14th from 5:30 p. m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Newton Centre Playground , 69 Tyler Terrace, for the launch of Newton: A City Built with History, A Future Built with Vision.  Family friendly event! Free Cabot’s Ice Cream! For more details visit our website at www.newtonma.gov/vision.

Zoning Redesign:  The Planning and Development Department is continuing with their Zoning Redesign Drop-In sessions this summer. Drop‐In on Wednesdays, August 16th and August 30th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Newton City Hall Room 106 to share your ideas with staff and ask questions about the City’s project redesign the zoning ordinance. All are welcome. On September 27th, 2017 the “Zoning Redesigning Event Series,”  a nine-part series will
launch and will run to May, 2018. Each event is about a different topic and will be held at Newton Free Library, 300 Homer St. from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. You can find the series online and RSVP at http://courbanize.com/newtonzoning.  For additional information, please contact James Freas by email:  at jfreas@newtonma.gov org or zoningredesign@newtonma.gov .

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City Council Meetings – Week of August 13th

The City Council will meet tonight, August 14th at 7:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers.  The Reports Docket can be found here and the New Docket can be found here.

Please note:

The Programs and Services Committee and the Finance Committee will meet jointly tonight on August 14th at 6:45 p.m. in Room 211 to discuss the submission of the Charter Commission’s Report, request for $6400 from Budget Reserve to mail the Charter Commission’s Report, request to place the question of the proposed new charter on the ballot, recommendation to approve the Neighborhood Area Council’s election date to November 7th, Mayor’s request to reappoint Jan Huffman to the Election Commission, Mayor’s request to to reappoint Marjorie Butler to the Election Commission, President Lennon’s request to reappoint Carl Cohen to the BioSafety Committee, and a proposal to place a non-binding advisory question on the ballot – “Do you support rezoning village centers to allow four-and five- story buildings near public transit with retail on the first floor and and apartments above, as the City is recommending to update Newton’s Zoning Ordinance for future growth?”.  The agenda can be found here.  Please see the City Clerk’s memo to the Council regarding the various docket items – here.

The Public Facilities Committee will meet tonight on August 14th at 6:30 p.m. in Room 211 to discuss a petition for a grant of location to install a pole in front of 559 Centre Street and an anchor guy 100’+ in a northerly direction to upgrade existing service and a petition for a grant of location to install and maintain 200’+ of conduit from a pole to a manhole in Needham Street.  The agenda can be found here.

The Recodification Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 15th at 8:30 a.m. in Room 205 to discuss the following:  Review of Chapters 17 and 20 and other fees and fines and any other business.  The agenda can be found here.

Land Use Committee:  The Land Use Committee has scheduled a site visit on Thursday, August 17th at 8:00 a.m. at the gate just past 50 Tower Road (Bigelow Oil) to review the special permit application filed by Northland to rezone five parcels and to develop off-site, non-accessory, single-level parking on the parcel at 55 Tower Road to serve the existing office building at 156 Oak Street.  The Notice of the Site Visit can be found here.

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City Council Committee Reports

The following City Council Committee Reports are now available:

Land Use Committee: The Land Use Committee met on Tuesday, July 11th and voted to approve the following:  a request for a special permit/site plan approval to raze and replace a two-family structure and allow a 4% reduction to the required lot area after combining lots at 19-21 Beaconwood Road, and a request for a special permit/site plan approval to demolish a portion of the rear dwelling, front porch and detached garage and construct a two-story rear addition and attached garage for more than three vehicles and in excess of 700 sq. ft. increasing the FAR to .28 where .27 is allowed and .19 exists at 164 Highland Avenue.  All other items were held.  The report can be found here.

Public Facilities Committee:  The Public Facilities Committee met on Wednesday, July 12th and voted to approve the following:  request for a grant of location to install a pole in front of 559 Centre Street and one anchor guy 100’+ in a northerly direction to upgrade
existing service, request for a grant of location to install 60’+ of conduit from
manhole 9423 in a westerly direction to provide new service to house 111 Bigelow
Road, request for a grant of location to install 37’+ of conduit in Walnut Street from manhole in a westerly direction onto Austin Street and ending at a proposed manhole in front of Philip Bram Way, and a request for a grant of location to relocate a oik approximately 57’+ westerly as part of the undergrounding of existing service, request to approve a taking of an easement at 19 – 33 Needham Street. The Committee voted No Action Necessary on the following items:  request for an update on funds acquired from voluntary contributions from Special Permits in Newton Centre, which can be made available to complete a safe pedestrian crossing at 714-724 Beacon Street via
Special Permit Board Order #1-15, and a request that the Department of Public Works provide an update on the creation of a strategic plan for the improvement of streets and sidewalks in the City. The report can be found here.

Zoning and Planning Committee Report:  The Zoning and Planning Committee met on Monday, July 17th and voted to approve the following:  Mayor’s Appointment of Katherine Cade to the Conservation Commission, request by the Director of Planning and Development for a technical amendment to the Newton Zoning Ordinances regarding restoration of density bonus zoning incentives related to an increase in inclusionary units for residential use in Business and Mixed Use Districts which was indavertently left out of the revised ordinances.  The Committee also voted No Action Necessary on a request to restructure and increase for permits charged by the Inspectional Services Department, the Planning Department and the City Clerk to ensure that the fees are sufficient to cover the costs of the services provided.  All other items were held.  The report can be found here.

Land Use Committee:  The Land Use Committee met on Tuesday, August 8th and voted to approve the following:  a request for a special permit/site plan approval to construct a two-story addition and porch to the rear and side of the house and rebuild the existing front porch, continuing the non-conforming front setback and increasing the FAR from .54 to .64 where .48 is allowed at 11 Fairview Street. All other items were held or postponed.  The report can be found here.

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Other Board and Commission Meetings

The following other City Boards and Commission will meet this week:

Board of Licensing Commissioners:  The Board of Licensing Commissioners will meet on August 15th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204.  The agenda can be found here.

The Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission: The Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission will meet on Wednesday, August 16h at 6:30 p.m., on Kingsbury Road to conduct a site visit to review the existing road conditions and the options for
berms and curbing. Please contact Barbara Kurze by phone at 617-796-1129 or by email at:  bkurze@newtonma.gov.

Newton Board of Assessors:  The Newton Board of Assessors will meet on Wednesday, August 16th at 9:00 a.m. in Room 108.  The agenda can be found here.

Urban Design Commission:  The Urban Design Commission originally scheduled to meet on Wednesday, August 16th has been rescheduled to August 24th.

The Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission:  The Chestnut Hill Historic District will on Thursday, August 17th, the Commission will meet at 7:30 p.m., in Room 205 and will discuss the following requests for a Certificate of Appropriateness:  request to install curbing and edging at property located at 109 Old Orchard Road, a request  to install a fence at 314 Hammond Street, Boston College, and a request to demolish the basement wing and replace a garage at 152 Suffolk Road.  Please contact Barbara Kurze by phone at 617-796-1129 or by email at:  bkurze@newtonma.gov.

Conservation Commission:  The Conservation Commission meeting originally scheduled for August 17th has been cancelled.

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Additional Information

The Law Department transmitted the following to the City Council regarding a Special Permit/Site Plan approval made on June 6, 2017.  Please see this memo for more information.

City Council Meetings – Week of August 6th

The following City Council Committees are scheduled to meet this week:

Land Use Committee:  The Land Use Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, August 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers and is scheduled to hold public hearings on the following:  request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a single-story rear additional extending the existing non-conforming two-family use at 893 Watertown Street, request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to use a portion of the non-conforming wholesale site to cut and fabricate stone countertops and further extending the nonconforming use at 966 Watertown Street, Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to amend a previously approved board order to allow a swing set on Lot 40 at 93 Bellevue Street, request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a two-story addition and porch to the rear and side of the house and rebuild the existing front porch, continuing the non-conforming front setback and increase the FAR from .54 to .64 where .48 is allowed at 11 Fairview Street, request for a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct a 3-story building up to 36 feet high, allow an FAR of 1.5, waivers to parking and waivers
to the lot area per unit in a multifamily dwelling at 386-394 Watertown Street,  request to rezone land currently zoned as MR 2 to Business 2 and a Special Permit/Site Plan Approval to construct elderly housing with services in excess of20,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area, consisting of 85 living units in a 4-story structure not to exceed 48’ in height and Floor Area Ratio not to exceed 2.0, and extend the existing nonconforming front setback and construct a retaining wall greater than 4’ in a setback at 431 Washington Street, 29 Hovey Street, and the adjacent unnumbered lot to the north on Hovey Street, and a request to amend Special Permit #102-06(15) at Kesseler Woods to allow relocation of the inclusionary zoning units by use of the Off-Site Development Option in conjunction with the rehabilitation of the apartment building at 219 Commonwealth Avenue resulting in an increase in the number of affordable units from the approved site of 179 Kesseler Way.  The agenda can be found here.

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Other City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of August 6th

The following other City Boards and Commissions are scheduled to meet this week:

Planning and Development Board:  The Planning and Development Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, August 7th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 204 and will have a discussion and vote on Zoning Ordinance Technical Amendments (#204-17) to restore reference in the Newton Zoning Ordinance for the density bonus incentives related to an increase in inclusionary units in Business and Mixed-Use districts. For more information, please contact Rachel Powers by phone at:  617-796-1125 or by email at: rpowers@newtonma.gov.

Auburndale Historic District: The Auburndale Historic District Commission will meet on Tuesday, August 8th, at 7:00 p.m., in Room 205. The agenda includes a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install two 70-foot tall stadium light poles at 70 Studio Road, and a request to install parking lot lights at 204-220 Woodland Road, Lasell College, requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness to install parking lot lights. The agenda can be found here. For more information, please contact Barbara Kurze by phone at 617-796-1126 or by email at:  bkurze@newtonma.gov and Katy Hax Holmes by phone at:  617-796-1143 or by email at:  kholmes@newtonma.gov.

Economic Development Commission: The Economic Development Commission is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, August 8th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 204 and is scheduled to discuss the following:  updates from the Economic Development Director, the Economic Development Commission Chair, discussion of draft food truck ordinance and discussion of expiring membership terms and re-appointments. The agenda can be found here.  For more information, please contact Kathryn Ellis by phone at:  617-796-1122 or by email at:  Kellis@newtonma.gov.

Community Preservation Committee: The Community Preservation Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, August 9th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 204 and is scheduled to discuss the New Art Center project and the pending proposal for the Newton Cemetery’s Whipple-Beal Cast Iron Fence and will hold a Public Hearing on the Newton Housing Authority’s $2 million request for its Jackson Road New Senior Housing (Haywood House)
project in Newton Corner. The agenda can be found here and the packet of information can be found here.  For more information, please contact Alice Ingerson by phone at: 617-796-1144 or by email at:  aingerson@newtonma.gov.

Zoning Board of Appeals: The Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, August 9th, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Room 207 and discuss the following request to change the details of the projects authorized by a previously issued Comprehensive Permit to Waban AA Realty Ventures LLC for the construction of 8 rental units (6 market rate and 2 affordable) located at 1521 Beacon Street. The proposed
change is a change from rental to ownership. The purpose of this public hearing is
for the Board to review the change and make a determination on whether the project may be approved with the change. The agenda can be found here.  Please contact Adrianna
Henriquez by phone at:  617-796-1133 or by email at:  ahenriquez@newtonma.gov.

Design Review Committee:  The Design Review Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, August 9th at 6:00 p.m. in the Library Trustees Room in the Newton Free Library and is scheduled to discuss the current preliminary design for the Crescent Street project.  Notice of the meeting can be found here and the agenda can be found here.

Newton Upper Falls Historic District:  The Newtonville Historic District Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, August 10th at 7:00 p.m., in Room 205 and is scheduled to review a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to nstall two additional
skylights on rear roofs for property located at 2-4 Shawmut Park and a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a fence section, arbor, patio, retaining walls and walkway for property located at 20 Shawmut Park.  The agenda can be found here. For more information, please contact Valerie Birmingham at 617-796-1132 or by email at:  vbirmingham@newtonma.gov.

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Development Review Team Meetings – Week of August 6th

The Development Review Team is scheduled to meet this week to discuss the following potential projects:

• 36 Cummings Road – Special permit to extend the nonconforming use by
  constructing an addition (SR2)
• 18-22-26 Goddard Street –  Proposed subdivision/redrawing of lot lines into two lots
  (SR3)
• 21 & 25 Gardner Street –  Special permit to create four attached dwellings (MR2)
• 82-84 Needham Street –  Possible medical marijuana facility (MU2)

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Happy Summer! There are no City Council meetings this week but there are a few Board and Commission meetings.    Other City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of July 30th   A few highlights: The Department of Public Works recently presented the Accelerated Pavement Management Program to the Public Facilities Committee July 12th.  The presentation can be found here. There is also a list of Preventative Maintenance Roads, a notice about the different treatment that will be used to address our roads and information on the Crack/Seal program. I am EXTREMELY PLEASED to Announce the City will be piloting a curbside organics pick-up program!! YAY. General information can be found here and the presentation on the curbside program by Waneta Trabert can be found here. The Planning Department will be "popping-up" at our local Farmers Markets this summer. This is your opportunity to get information about the new Accessory Apartment zoning rules,  details on the upcoming Zoning Redesign event series, obtain information on how West Newton and Walnut Streets will have street safety makeovers and connect with economic development resources. They will be at the West Newton Farmers Market on Elm Street on Saturday, August 5th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.and at the Cold Springs Farmers Market on Tuesday, August 8th from 1:30 – 6:00 p.m. (A great place to meet candidates, too!) Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested and please encourage them to sign up!  Folks can also go directly to my website at www.amysangiolo.com and subscribe. As always, I welcome your input on any topic relevant to the Council and our community. Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind. Amy Mah Sangiolo Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4 Other City Board and Commission Meetings – Week of July 30th The following City Boards and Commission will meet this week: Fair Housing Committee: The Fair Housing Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, August 2nd t 8:00 a.m. in Room 205 and is expected to review a proposed amendment to the Kesseler Woods special permit and remove all affordable housing units to a new location on Commonwealth Avenue and will discuss the next steps for auditing for housing discrimination in Newton. For more information, please contact Malcolm Lucas by phone at:  617.796.1149 or by email at:  mlucas@newtonma.gov. Newtonville Historic District Commission: The Newtonville Historic District Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, August 3rd at 7:30 p.m. in Room 205 and will discuss the following requests for Certificate of Appropriateness:  to install a landscaping wall and irrigation, to replace the front walkway, to install steps, and to change the driveway at 142 Lowell Avenue. For more information, please contact Barbara Kurze by phone at: 617-796-1129 or by email at: bkurze@newtonma.gov. [back to top]

Mailing address: Amy Mah Sangiolo 389 Central Street Auburndale, MA 02466 Add us to your address book

I hope you all had a great week!  The St. Mary of Carmen Festival was fun.  Went with family to the carnival and enjoyed the music and then went back this afternoon to march in the processional and then again tonight.  We also enjoyed another great concert in Newton Center!

Below you will find this week's City Council and other Board and Commission meetings.
  

• City Council Meetings – Week of July 16th
• Other Board and Commission Meetings – Week of July 16th
• Development Review Team Meetings – Week of July 17th

 

Please note:  There will be a  Zoning Redesign Drop‐In on Wednesday, July 19th, Please to share your ideas with staff and ask questions about the City’s project redesign the zoning ordinance. Everyone is welcome!  Contact James Freas at jfreas@newtonma.gov with questions. For more information on Zoning Redesign visit http://courbanize.com/newtonzoning or email zoningredesign@newtonma.gov.

Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested and please encourage them to sign up!  Folks can also go directly to my website at www.amysangiolo.com and subscribe.

As always, I welcome your input on any topic relevant to the Council and our community.

Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind.


Amy Mah Sangiolo
Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4

 

City Council Meetings – Week of July 16th

The following City Council Committees are scheduled to meet this week:

Zoning and Planning Committee:  The Zoning and Planning Committee will meet tonight at 7:00 p.m. in Room 205 and will discuss the following:  appointment of Kathryn Cade as an alternative member of the Newton Conservation Commission, public hearing on a technical amendment to a zoning amendment to restore a reference to a density bonus incentives to an increase in inclusionary units for residential units in a Business or Mixed Use districts that were apparently inadvertently omitted from the ordinance (see Planning Memo), proposed zoning amendment to expand the definition of exempt lots to include lots changed in size or shape as a result of an adverse possession claim (see Planning Memo), discussion to consider mix of uses at Wells Avenue (see Planning Memo) and a request to restructure and increase fees (Note:  Committee likely to vote No Action Necessary).  The agenda can be found here.

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Other Board and Commission Meetings – Week of July 16th

The following City Boards and Commissions are scheduled to meet this week:

Lasell Neighborhood Council:   The Lasell Neighborhood Council is scheduled to meet on Monday, July 17th the Council will meet at 8:00 a.m. at Lasell College – Irwin Annex, 5 Cheswick Rd. The Council is scheduled to discuss the following:  parking, construction updates, litter clean-up initiatives, supporting green initiatives in the neighborhood, community participation and support. For more information, please contact Barney Heath by phone at: 617-796-1120 or by email at:  bheath@newtonma.gov.

Board of License Commissioners:  The Board of License Commissioners are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, July 18th at 7:30 p.m.  The agenda can be found here.

School Committee:  The School Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 18th at 8:00 a.m. in Room 210 at the Ed Center located at 100 Walnut Street and will meet in Executive Session to discuss the TAP MOA Agreement.  Notice of the meeting can be found here.

School Committee:  The School Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 18th at 8:15 a.m. in Room 210 at the Ed Center located at 100 Walnut Street .  Notice of the meeting can be found here.

Newton Biosafety Committee:  The Newton Biosafety Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, July 19th at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 106c and is expected to discuss the following:  an rDNA permit application, the rDNA amended ordinance, review of applications and procedures, and setting an annual meeting date with community representatives in September or October.  The agenda can be found here.

Board of Assessors:  The Newton Board of Assessors are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, July 19th at 9:00 a.m. in Room 108 at City Hall and is expected to discuss the following:  approval of the 2017 Exemption and Abatement Report.  The agenda can be found here.

Newton Retirement Board:  The Newton Retirement Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, July 19th at 3:00 p.m. in Room 211.  The agenda can be found here.

SEPAC Meeting:  The SEPAC will have an open meeting on Wednesday, July 19th from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. in Room 304 at the Ed Center, 100 Walnut Street.  The agenda can be found here.

Urban Design Commission: The Urban Design Commission is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, July 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Planning Dept Conference Room (B10) and is expected to discuss the following sign requests:

• 55 Needham Street – T‐Mobile,
• 55 Needham Street – B.Good,
• 275-281 Needham Street – New England Mobile Book Fair,
• 1637 Centre Street – 7‐ Eleven,
• 55 Boylston Street – The Container Store

The Commission will also conduct a conceptual design review for 392-404 Langley Road and also discuss Zoning Redesign (Zoning Reform Phase 2).

For more information, please contact Shubee Sikka by phone a:t 617-796-1139 or by email at:  ssikka@newtonma.gov .

Zoning Board of Appeals:  The Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to meet on Thursday, July 20th at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, Room 207 and will discuss and review the following petition: #01‐16, 1521 Beacon Street, LLC’s request, to change the details of the project authorized by a previously issued Comprehensive Permit to Waban AMA Realty Ventures LLC for the construction of eight rental units (6 market rate and 2 affordable) located at 1521 Beacon Street. The proposed change is a change in the tenure of all eight units from rental to ownership. The purpose of this public hearing is for the Board to review the change and determine anew whether the project may be approved with the change. For more information, please contact Adrianna Henriquez by phone at:  617-796-1133 or by email at:  ahenriquez@newtonma.gov .

Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission:  The Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, July 20th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 205 and is expected to vote on the following requests for Certificate of Appropriateness:

• 109 Old Orchard Road, to approve curbing installation; to install a gate; Kingsbury Road, to install asphalt berms;
• 44 Old England Road, to replace fence and install mesh;
• 135 Essex Road, to replace fence; and
• 20 Malia Terrace, to repair garage and fence.

For more information, please contact:  Barbara Kurze at 617-796-1126 or bkurze@newtonma.gov.

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Development Review Team Meetings – Week of July 17th

The Development Review Team is scheduled to meet this week on the following proposals:

• 58 Rochester Road:  Special permit for floor area ratio (FAR) relief to expand single-family dwelling (SR3)
• 336 Elliot Street:  Special permit to extend nonconforming residential use (BU1)

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I hope you all had a great week and a great Fourth of July!  I brought my pug, Frank, to the Pet Parade at the Newton Center Playground, and then it was a full day meeting so many wonderful residents at Albemarle.  The fireworks were spectaculor - as always!!  Last night, I brought my 92 year old mother with me and my husband to the Newton Center Green to enjoy the music of Jah Spirit.  My mother LOVED the music, the crowds and the dancing!  Thank you Newton Community Pride!  To find out about upcoming events, please go here.

Below you will find this week's City Council and other Board and Commission meetings (there are a lot of other Board and Commission meeting this week!).
  

• Accessory Apartment Information Session – July 13th, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. – Post 440
• City Council to Meet tonight, July 10th – 7:45 p.m.
• Two Council Committee Reports – now available
• Council Committee Meetings – Week of July 9th
• Other Board and Commission Meetings – Week of July 9th
• Development Review Team Meetings – Week of July 9th

 

FYI:  The Citizens Petition requesting the City Council to pass a Resolution to our Federal legislators urging them to support an impeachment investigation on our President will be before the Council tonight.

Kindly forward this on to your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested and please encourage them to sign up!  Folks can also go directly to my website at www.amysangiolo.com and subscribe.

As always, I welcome your input on any topic relevant to the Council and our community.

Please stay safe, be healthy, be happy, and most of all, please be kind.


Amy Mah Sangiolo
Councilor-at-Large, Ward 4