Newton City Council - August 10, 2026

The meeting was called to order by President John Oliver. A special commendation was presented to Hubert Eugene 'Hubie' Jones on the occasion of his receiving an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Boston University.

• Resolution Details: 'Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council of the city of Newton honor and congratulate Hubert Jones on the occasion of his receipt of an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Boston University, and wishes Hubie and his family continued good health and happiness for years to come.'
• Sponsors: Councilors Albright, Lucas, Micley, and Dahmubed.
• Performance: The Boston Children's Chorus, founded by Mr. Jones, performed two songs in his honor.

Councilor Kelley presented the Land Use Committee report. The following actions were taken:

• Item 228-26: Request to exceed FAR at 33 Aspen Ave. Approved 7-1.
• Public Hearings Set for August 25, 2026:
  1. Item 257-26: 99 Oakdale Road (Request to exceed FAR and extend nonconforming facade ratio).
  2. Item 258-26: 395 Lexington Ave (Request to allow four residential units on a nonconforming residential use).
  3. Item 259-26: 83 Commonwealth Park West (Request for retaining walls exceeding four feet).
  4. Item 226-26: 43 Newell Road (Request to exceed FAR).

Councilor Baker presented the report for action:

• Item 193-26 & 194-26: Reappointments of Michael Alperin and Judy Weber to the Newton Affordable Housing Trust. Approved.
• Item 244-26: Appointment of Catherine M. Farrick as Director of Planning. Councilor Baker noted the committee's gratitude for her taking the role.

Councilor Krintzman reported on the meeting of July 15, 2026:

• Item 192-26: Appointment of Cynthia Wayne to the Human Rights Commission. Approved 7-0.
• Item 245-26 & 246-26: Requests to set early voting hours for the September 1st Primary and November 3rd General Election. Approved 7-0 with amendments to extend hours to 8:00 PM on specific Tuesdays and Wednesdays (August 25, October 20, and October 28).

Councilor Lucas reported on committee activities:

• Item 223-26: Request by Reed Isaviev for a new public auto license. Withdrawn without prejudice by a vote of 7-0.
• Announcement: The committee will meet August 26, 2026, to discuss the overnight parking ban.

Councilor Getz reported on the meeting of July 22, 2026:

• Item 222-26: Grant of location on Prescott Street. Approved 6-0-1.
• Item 221-26: Community Preservation Committee (CPC) recommendation to appropriate $232,000 for cupolas and windows at City Hall. Approved 5-2-0 as amended to change the funding source to the historical preservation account.

Councilor Grossman reported on financial authorizations:

• Item 209-26 & 220-26: Appointments of Ryan McLaughlin and Alexander B. Jeblon to the Financial Audit Advisory Committee. Approved 6-0.
• Item 221-26: Polled the committee to amend the account designation for the City Hall cupola project to the CPA historical preservation fund. Approved 8-0.
• Item 237-26: Appointment of Christopher Breski to the John C. Chafin Educational Fund. Approved 6-0.
• Item 240-26: Acceptance of a $19,500 grant from AARP. Approved 5-0-1.
• Item 243-26: Acceptance and expenditure of a $218,708 grant for the city's fiber optic network. Approved 6-0.

The Council debated a special permit for a four-unit residential development at 60 Brookside Avenue.

• Opposition Arguments: Councilor Block argued the project would make Newton less affordable, with units expected to sell for $1.5 million, and cited adverse impacts from parking congestion. Councilor Wright and Councilor Lucas emphasized that the project violated setback requirements (requesting relief for 10-15 feet) and that four units were excessive for the site.
• Support Arguments: Councilor Albright and Councilor Farrell argued the design was extraordinary and fit the neighborhood character better than a 'by-right' development. Councilor Grossman and Councilor Leary noted the need for housing units of this size (approx. 2,300 sq. ft.) for families.
• Vote Outcome: The motion failed to reach the 16-vote threshold.
• Roll Call Vote (13-11):
  • Aye: Albright, Bixby, Charm, Dahmubed, Farrell, Golden, Greenberg, Grossman, Irish, Kelley, Krintzman, Leary, Roche.
  • No: Baker, Block, Getz, Gordon, Kalis, Lucas, Malakie, Micley, Silber, Wright, Oliver.

The Council considered a special permit to allow four residential units at 1100-1102 Beacon Street, a site currently zoned for business.

• Discussion: Councilor Malakie and Councilor Lucas opposed the loss of commercial space in the Four Corners area, arguing it sets a bad precedent for depleting business centers. Councilor Kelley and Councilor Wright supported the project, noting the site had been vacant for years and was not viable for modern commercial use due to limited parking.
• Vote Outcome: The motion carried with the required two-thirds majority.
• Roll Call Vote (19-5):
  • Aye: Albright, Baker, Bixby, Charm, Dahmubed, Farrell, Golden, Gordon, Greenberg, Grossman, Irish, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Leary, Micley, Roche, Silber, Wright.
  • No: Block, Getz, Lucas, Malakie, Oliver.