Newton's City Council will take up more than $6 million in proposed spending Monday, Nov. 2. A citizens' petition seeking new oversight of large public funding to private projects is also on the docket.
The Nov. 2 docket lists four spending items totaling $6,075,000 from certified free cash and Community Preservation Act (CPA) reserves. The meeting begins at 7:45 p.m. in City Hall Chambers and will also be available on Zoom.
$2 million for Walnut Street affordable housing
The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is recommending a $2 million grant for the 1186 Walnut Street Affordable Housing Project in Newton Highlands. The money would come from unrestricted prior-year CPA reserves and flow through the Planning and Development Department.
A related item asks the council to grant a conflict-of-interest exemption to Michael Alperin. According to the docket, Alperin has a potential financial interest in agreements between the city and the development entity behind the Walnut Street project. The exemption request cites the state conflict-of-interest law, M.G.L. c. 268A, Sec. 20(d). The docket does not specify Alperin's city role.
Both items are referred to the Zoning & Planning and Finance committees.
$1.2 million for a new fire engine
The mayor is requesting $1.2 million from certified free cash to buy a new Engine 4 for the Newton Fire Department. That item goes to the Public Safety & Transportation and Finance committees.
$1.25 million for school air conditioning
Another mayoral request seeks $1.25 million from certified free cash to retrofit classrooms in 10 schools with window air conditioning units. The appropriation covers the units plus electrical and installation costs. The docket does not name the 10 schools. That item is referred to the Public Facilities and Finance committees.
$1.625 million for vehicle replacements
The mayor also asks for $1,625,000 from certified free cash for the city's Vehicle Replacement Program. It heads to the same two committees.
Citizens' petition targets financial assistance to private projects
Ryan Floyd and other petitioners filed a citizens' group petition seeking a new city ordinance. The proposed rule would require a separate public hearing and a majority vote of the full council before any grant, loan or other municipal financial assistance exceeding $250,000 goes to a privately owned building or project.
No prior appropriation or reserve designation could substitute for that project-specific vote under the proposed ordinance. It includes an exception for emergencies affecting public health or safety. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 23. The item is referred to the Zoning & Planning Committee.
Property tax levy and Riverside amendment
The council will also take up the fiscal year 2027 property tax levy. The mayor submitted the proposed distribution percentages among residential, open space, commercial, industrial and personal property classes for council review. A public hearing is set for Nov. 16, with the item referred to the Finance Committee.
Separately, a Nov. 10 public hearing will address a request to amend Special Permit #239-25 at 0, 355 and 399 Grove Street. MS Riverside Fee Owner LLC and MS Riverside Lessee LLC seek to modify the proposed buildings and site plan, allow Building 2/3 to be used for elderly housing services, and reduce drive aisle width in a parking facility. That item goes to the Land Use Committee.
The meeting is open to the public. Residents can watch live on NewTV's government channel or stream it on NewTV's YouTube channel. Those who want to participate remotely can join via the Zoom link posted on the docket.
