Newton Corner Neighborhood Association 

Meeting Agenda:
April 11, 2024 — 7:30–8:30 PM

Here is the Zoom Link for our next meeting 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89295885023?pwd=eFN6bkViSCsvMlk5VWR5bHMwNTFBUT09

Meeting ID: 892 9588 5023
Passcode: 692182

Greetings to all members of the Newton Corner Neighborhood Association! 

Again, we are fortunate that all four of our city councilors will be able to join us in discussing issues of importance to Newton Corner:

Councilor Maria Scibeli-Greenberg, Ward Councilor from Ward 1, will speak to us regarding the following:

1. The trash problem at Sunrise Senior Center and Burton’s Liquors/Dunkin Donuts. Has this been resolved, and if not, what are our next steps?

2. An update on the status of the Spears Park Community Garden.

3. A report on the “Newton Corner Rotary Pedestrian and Bicyclists Improvement Project”— a new effort sponsored by Councilor Scibelli-Greenberg to gain funding for traffic calming measures at the intersection of Eldredge and Vernon Streets. 

4. 41 Washington Street: A quick review of the presentation made by the developer’s team before the Zoning Board of Appeals, the actions taken by the community, and the perceived response of the Board.

Councilor Alison Leary, Councilor at Large Ward 1, will present updates on:

1. The stormwater issues on Church Street

2. The upcoming meeting with the Department of Transportation

Councilor Marc Laredo, Councilor at Large Ward 7, will join Councilor Leary in summarizing recent discussions on moving Newton off natural gas and strengthening the electrical grid.

Rajeev Parlikar, Ward 1 School Committee Member, will review the issue of school choice, whether School Committee members will be visiting schools in their wards, and other topics he feels are important to the community.

Keith Jones, President, Friends of Farlow Park will update us on the current status of the Farlow Park Pond project and Newton Serves.

Important New Issue: Keeping Our Children Safe while playing on city streets

As the days continue to lengthen and the weather warms, more children are playing with bikes, scooters, etc., on city streets. Obviously, this situation varies by locale. Children are more likely to play on streets in Hunnewell Hill or cul-de-sacs like Maple Ave. than on heavily trafficked streets like Washington, Centre, and Church. However, the urgency with which drivers for Amazon and UPS drive on all streets, including those used by children, causes concern for parents. I have been approached by parents who have asked the city to install “Caution—Children Playing” signs and have been told this was not possible because “Children play throughout the city.” Some parents feel this is a red herring. I would like to bring this issue up for discussion with Councilors and NCNA members at our Thursday meeting.

If there is any time remaining before our one-hour deadline, we will share the good news about Artful Piano ’24, the Underwood School Centennial Celebration, and the creation of a Newton Cultural District. We will also begin our previously postponed discussion regarding having a community event in Farlow Park.

Looking forward to seeing you soon. 

Warm regards,

Robin Boger, President

Newton Corner Neighborhood Association