Planning & Development Department's "Friday Report"

Visit our website at https://www.newtonma.gov/government/planning

Meetings at a Glance

Monday, May 6:

Planning & Development Board, 7:00 p.m. https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/82103955707 or +13052241968,,82103955707#

Tuesday, May 7:

Newton Affordable Housing Trust, 6:00 p.m. https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/81975915655 or +16469313860,,81975915655#
Land Use Committee, 7:00 p.m. City Council Chamber (Room 207) and virtually via Zoom https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/82218596902 or +16465588656,,82218596902#

Wednesday, May 8:

Urban Design Commission, 7:00 p.m. https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/87290990710 or +13092053325,,87290990710#
Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:00 p.m. City Council Chamber (Room 207) and virtually via Zoom https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/87261857349 or +13126266799,,87261857349#

Thursday, May 9:

Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission, 7:00 p.m. https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/88938915410 or +16465588656,,88938915410#

Meetings Next Week

Planning & Development Board: On Monday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. the Board will meet via Zoom. To join this meeting, click https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/82103955707 or dial +13052241968,,82103955707#. The following items will be discussed: a site plan review exercise will be led by the Planning Team and Utile and Docket Item #76-24(3). Contact Olivia James at ojames@newtonma.gov
Newton Affordable Housing Trust: On Tuesday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. the Trust will meet in Room 204 and virtually via Zoom. To join this meeting via Zoom, click https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/81975915655 or dial +16469313860,,81975915655#. At that time the Trust will discuss the status of the CIVICO and City owned property at the former Walker Center, discuss potential future projects and funding priorities, review potential changes to the application and funding process, and review the status of the Housing Priorities Review. Contact Lara Kritzer at lkritzer@newtonma.gov
Land Use Committee: On Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. the Committee will meet in the City Council Chamber (Room 207) and virtually via Zoom. To join this meeting via Zoom, click https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/82218596902 or dial +16465588656,,82218596902#. The following items will be discussed: #207-24 Request for a Special Permit to waive 15 parking stalls at 1173-1177 Walnut St; #79-24 Request to amend Special Permit #395-22 to allow for a cash payment in lieu of providing IZ Units at 136-144 Hancock St. Contact Katie Whewell at kwhewell@newtonma.gov
Urban Design Commission: On Wednesday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. the Commission will meet via Zoom. To join this meeting, click https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/87290990710 or dial +13092053325,,87290990710#. The following items are on the agenda: 2086-2098 Commonwealth Avenue – Mayani Dental, 309-321 Walnut Street – George Howell Coffee, 417-427 Lexington Street – Milano Jewelry, 188-192 Needham Street – Great Hill Dental, 761-771 Beacon Street – Gibson Sotheby’s, 899 Washington Street – Eigen Nails & Spa, 1391-1397 Washington Street - Ninebark, 1197-1203 Walnut Street – Walnut Dental, 200-220 Boylston Street – Starbucks, 1-27 Boylston Street – Pink Carrot, Design Review for 41 Washington Street and approval of meeting minutes. Contact Shubee Sikka at ssikka@newtonma.gov
Zoning Board of Appeals: On Wednesday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. the Board will meet in the City Council Chamber (Room 207) and virtually via Zoom. To join this meeting via Zoom, click https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/87261857349 or dial +13126266799,,87261857349#. Agenda items include: 1. #04-23 Toll Bros. Inc., requesting a Comprehensive Permit, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40B, to construct a six-story all-residential development with 244 residential units on 5.82 acres of land located at 528 Boylston Street; 0, 502-504, 516 Boylston Street; 0 Hagan Road; and 24-26, 32-34 Hurley Place in the SR1, SR2 Zoning Districts. The proposal includes 61 affordable units and 385 parking stalls. Contact Brenda Belsanti at bbelsanti@newtonma.gov
Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission: On Thursday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m. the Commission will meet via Zoom. To join this meeting, click https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/88938915410 or dial +16465588656,,88938915410#. The following items will be discussed: 7 Lucille Pl - confirm violation for work done to install a greenhouse and shed; 1036-1038 Chestnut St—request to replace bulkheads; request to make changes to the front steps and patio; update on the chimney rebuild; 16-20 Winter St—request for feedback on project to renovate the existing house, build an addition on the right side, and make changes to the driveways and hardscaping; Administrative discussion will include meeting minutes. Contact Barbara Kurze at bkurze@newtonma.gov

Project & Program Updates

MyMassHome: MyMassHome is a new website designed to be a one-stop resource for helping Massachusetts homebuyers navigate their path to becoming a homeowner. The website compiles information regarding first-time homebuyer courses, different mortgage products, and down payment assistance programs that some homebuyers may be eligible for. To learn more about becoming a homeowner in Massachusetts and how MyMassHome can assist you in finding an accessible and affordable home, visit https://www.mymasshome.org/
Housing Assistance & Eviction Diversion: If you, or someone you know, is having difficulty paying rent or facing eviction, there are local and state resources that can help. The City’s Housing Assistance and Eviction Diversion webpage (newtonma.gov/HousingHelp) includes information on housing and utility assistance as well as eviction diversion resources in English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Russian and Portuguese. Another resource is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CDPB). By accessing their page at consumerfinance.gov/renthelp, renters and landlords can search for additional local rental assistance opportunities and connect with state and local governments who are distributing the housing assistance funding.
Lastly, FHA borrowers in need of mortgage relief can find additional information on their options by contacting a local HUD‐approved housing counseling agency here: https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm You can also contact the City of Newton’s Social Services at 617‐796‐1420 to work with city staff on which resources may be the best fit for you.
New Affordable Housing Opportunities: Stay up to date on new affordable rental and homeownership opportunities in Newton as they become available. Click HERE to input your name and email address to receive the Planning Department’s Email Updates regarding available affordable housing units throughout the City. Contact Malcolm Lucas at 617.796.1149 or mlucas@newtonma.gov
Housing Navigator Massachusetts – A New Way to Search for Affordable Housing: Housing Navigator Massachusetts is a searchable database for affordable housing which tracks over 160,000 affordable units across 260 cities and towns within Massachusetts. Those looking for affordable housing (including some middle‐income units), including renters, emergency shelter, and supportive housing providers, can search and filter the database based on income, eligibility, availability, and number of bedrooms. Users can also filter the search by area or town to see what housing may be available in their desired area. Click the following link to access the Navigator tool: https://search.housingnavigatorma.org/
Sign Up for Mayor Fuller’s Email Updates: Looking for the latest news about happenings at City Hall and around Newton? Click the icon to the right or input your email address HERE to receive Mayor Ruthanne Fuller’s Email Updates. To see archived editions of the Mayor’s Email Updates, visit the City of Newton website at www.newtonma.gov

Planning & Development Department | City of Newton, MA | 617.796.1120

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