The Agenda and Meeting Packet for the CPC’s next virtual meeting on September 15th is now available. Please Note: Due to the size of this month’s meeting packet, downloading may take longer than usual.
To view and participate in this virtual meeting on your computer, at the above date and time, go to www.zoom.us, click “Join a Meeting” and enter the following Meeting ID: 803142080
You can also access the meeting online at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/803142080
Two new proposals were submitted in August for CPA funding of a National Register listed Historic Resource and a potential new Recreation opportunity in Auburndale.Commonwealth Avenue Carriageway Redesign Project – The City of Newton requests $390,000 in CPA Recreation funds for the creation of a new bike and pedestrian pathway and green space in place of the north carriageway of Commonwealth Avenue in Auburndale. The proposal will use CPA funding to complete the 100% designs of this critically compromised segment of the Commonwealth Avenue Carriageway from Lyons Field to the Charles River Bridge, in the process creating new green space and adding a continuous walking and bicycle path by rerouting vehicular traffic to the south side of the median. The project increases the overall amount of green space in the area, links myriad trail networks including the Charles River Path, the Riverside Greenway trail network (in development), and Weston’s planned shared use path (currently at 25% design), increases visibility and access to the historic boathouse on the Charles River, and improves transit access in the area by upgrading bus stops.
Grace Episcopal Tower Restoration – Grace Episcopal Church requests $1,433,000 in CPA Historic Resource funds for costs directly related to the stabilization and preservation of the tower which includes a conical stone spire and belfry. The tower’s structural supports have now deteriorated to the extent that they present a public safety risk and imperil the campus of the ca. 1872 building. Designed by Architect Alexander Rice Esty, the stone campus is considered to be of “outstanding architectural quality” (Newton NRHP Nomination) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Farlow and Kenrick Parks National Register Historic District.
In addition to the public hearings discussed above, the CPC will also hold the following project reviews:
Potential Modifications to Covid-19 Emergency Housing Relief Program – The City of Newton’s Housing staff will present an update on the progress of the program to date and discuss the possibility of amending the program to assist low income households which have been negatively impacted by Covid-19 for an additional three months. For further information, a memorandum outlining the program and the proposed changes is available in the Meeting Packet.
Pre-Proposal Review of Durant-Kenrick Gutter and Window Repair Project – Historic Newton has submitted a pre-proposal requesting CPA funding to repair/replace a failed wood gutter on the east (rear) facade of the Durant-Kenrick Homestead. The pre-proposal also includes the restoration of six windows on the east facade which have suffered from water damage. CPA funding would be matched in this project by a $10,000 grant from the 1772 Foundation.
Pre-Proposal Review of Jackson Homestead Fence Replacement – Historic Newton has also submitted a pre-proposal for CPA funding to replace a badly deteriorated cedar picket fence running along the Jackson Road property line. The request would replace 200-210 feet of fencing with new cedar picket fencing to be installed in the same location.
Lastly, the CPC will also receive an update on the Crescent Street Housing and Playground Proposal, which has been on hold at the request of the applicants since 2018.
New Proposal Submitted for Haywood House/Jackson Road Senior Housing Additional Funding
A new proposal has been submitted by the Newton Housing Authority for $77,900 in additional CPA Community Housing Funds for the Haywood House/Jackson Road Senior Housing Additional Funding project. This funding is requested to cover the cost of an additional material lift for transporting trash barrels required during the Special Permit approval process for the new 55 unit permanently affordable senior housing project. The project is also requesting an additional $250,000 in CDBG funding for the project. A joint public hearing with the Planning and Development Board is tentatively scheduled for Monday, October 5, with more detailed information to follow.
The deadline for new applications and discussion items to be added to the October 13th meeting is September 25th. Information on the virtual meeting will be sent out with the agenda before the meeting.
In addition to CPC agendas, meeting packets & minutes, the website includes proposal & project instructions, major documents for current proposals & funded projects, and regularly updated financial and other reports on Newton’s current, future, and past CPA projects and spending. For help or with questions, contact Lara Kritzer at lkritzer@newtonma.gov or 617-796-1144.