January Update

Questions Answered! Sunday, Feb. 6, 3:30pm Please join me and Councilor Bowman, along with state representatives Tommy Vitolo of Brookline and Kay Khan of Newton, for an informative session on how parts of the state's Climate Action Law allows municipalities to opt-in to a greener building code. We will take questions & suggestions.
And if you have something else you’d like to discuss, there will be time for that afterward. 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85298251794
 
Warning: Tight City Budget Because of the pandemic, city revenue is down. The mayor announced last week that some very popular projects will have to be cut or delayed.
One of the most important jobs of the City Council is to debate and approve the annual budget.  
 Having some Federal pandemic-relief funds and Infrastructure funds helps. But none of this money could--nor should, since they are one-time--go into our operating budget.
One of the biggest cost drivers has been and still is the city’s pension obligations. Others include trash, health insurance and other areas where inflation outpaces revenue growth.
 The mayor is talking about shaving every department--except schools--by a little. And we will have to make some tough decisions about which new initiatives to pursue. Talk to me about what you care about keeping.
 Zoning near Transit  There is already a lot of worry about a new state law that requires MBTA communities to zone for more housing near transit.
We don't know exactly how this law will play out for Newton, but there are a few things that are becoming clear; I outline these below:

• A good primer on the law is here.
• The regulations are still in draft form, and are open to public comment until March 31.
• Newton’s obligation is to allow--not produce--8,330 or so units.
  • We cannot restrict them to seniors;
  • We cannot restrict the size of each unit;
  • They need to be within a half-mile of a transit stop.
• I found the state FAQ, as well as the zoning memo from Monday’s meeting helpful to envision how Newton could comply.
• The Planning Department will be producing studies to help us further.

Here's what I think: the visioning Newton did this summer to prepare for re-zoning of Village Centers could give City Council a head start in complying with this law. Doing so will help our village center businesses thrive. We do know that the need for more housing in the region is urgent.
 Oh--and a great primer on what makes housing so expensive is in this podcast. The speakers say that the biggest cost driver is constrained supply--partly because of zoning.
 
Good to Know:

• ACLU and Facial Recognition at PS&T February 9th, 7 pm, check the Friday Packet for Zoom link. We will have Kade Crockford come talk with us about facial recognition technology, public safety and privacy. If our schedule allows, we will then join Programs & Services for discussion of enforcement of the leaf blower ordinance.
• Upcoming D Branch Vegetation Removal Shuttle buses replace D Branch service between Riverside and Newton Highlands the weekend of January 29-30 to allow for vegetation removal along the tracks. All shuttle buses are accessible for persons with disabilities.
• Winter Walk/Roll to School Feb. 2! Watch out on your travels as our Newton students take the winter challenge and walk, bike, scooter, bus or otherwise roll to school! If you have school kids, your PTO is organizing.