June 14, 2018
Here are some of the pertinent document to serve as background for the RMD discussion that we will be having tomorrow night.
#288-18 Special Permit Petition to allow RMD at 24-26 Elliot Street
CYPRESS TREE MANAGEMENT, INC petition for a SPECIAL PERMIT/SITE PLAN APPROVAL to allow a registered medical marijuana dispensary in a non-conforming structure, to waive minimum stall dimensions, to waive minimum aisle width for two-way traffic, to waive perimeter screening requirements, to waive interior landscaping requirements, to waive requirements for interior planting, to waive requirement for interior tree planting, to waive requirements for bumper overhang area landscaping, to waive requirements for 1-foot candle lighting and to allow the RMD to be located within 500’ of a school at 24-26 Elliot Street, Ward 5, Newton Highlands, on land known as Section 51 Block 25 Lot 01, containing approximately 25,320 sq. ft. of land in a district zoned BUSINESS USE 2. Ref: Sec 7.3.3, 7.4, 6.10.3, 6.10.3.D.1, 6.10.3.F.2, 4.1.3, 6.10.3.D.5, 7.8.1.C.1, 7.8.2.C.2, 5.1.12, 5.1.13, 5.1.8.B.1, 5.1.8.B.2, 5.1.8.C.1, 5.1.8.C.2, 5.1.9.A, 5.1.9.B.1, 5.1.9.B.2, 5.1.9.B.3, 5.1.9.B.4, 5.1.10.A.1 of the City of Newton Rev Zoning Ord, 2015.
There is no Land Use Report as of yet for the Public Hearing held on Tuesday June 5th but there is Audio listed if one wishes to listen to the hearing.
city of newton webpage for the special permit considerations
Current Special Permits - City of Newton webpage
(http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/aldermen/special_permits/current_special_permits.asp)
former Green Tea site
Elliot Street (24-26) - #288-18
For the Zoning Redesign discussion here is the last Planning Department memo on Zoning ReDesign.
#76‐18 Discussion relative to the draft policy content outline of Zoning Ordinance
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING requesting review, discussion, and direction relative to the Zoning Redesign Project on a draft policy content outline of the new Zoning Ordinance.
Waban Area Council
Meeting Minutes
June 14 2018 7:30pm
Members of WAC Present: Rena Getz, Patrick Maher, Kathryn Winters, Chris Pitts, Dinah Bodkin, Bob Jampol.
City Councilor Present: John Rice
Members of Public Present: Judi Burten, Bill Humphrey, Qingli Jiang, Deena David, Alan Nogee, Barbara Darnell, Carol Todreas.
Burning Issues from the Community Judi Burten: Two incidents of thumb tacks placed sharp end up in bike lane on Winchester St. JR: Mayor’s office and Newton police are working on this serious problem-who is doing this and how to make sure the incident is not repeated.
Cold Spring Park Trail Alan Nogee: Trail is dangerously deteriorated at this point. Responsibility of Parks and Recreation; they agreed to replace exercise equipment. Alan has started a petition calling for upgrading and better maintenance of the trail, which, it was generally agreed, may result in Parks and Recreation paying more attention to the problem. KW offered to have petition included in next email blast sent out by WAC.
Update on Zervas Traffic Calming JR: Speeding occurs on Beethoven and Allen Ave. The traffic department is considering adding crosswalks across Allen Ave. at Pine Ridge and Plainfield. They are considering curb extensions (bump-outs) at these crosswalk locations into the parking lane for traffic calming and to reduce pedestrian crossing distances. In conjunction with the bump-outs, they are also considering raised crosswalks for Allen Ave, as that would go further to calm traffic. But raised crosswalks are costly and they need to discuss with fire department. Can not add speed bumps because this would slow fire trucks. The traffic dept. is also considering crosswalks at Cochituate Aqueduct crossings on Allen and Beethoven, but those locations are not ideal given the vertical grades.
Marijuana Dispensary Two potential medical marijuana dispensaries at sites of former restaurants South Pacific and Green Tea. Both would eventually become recreational dispensaries as well. KW: Committee has approved ballot initiative which would prohibit recreational marijuana being sold in Newton. Also in committee is a potential ballot initiative to limit number of stores in Newton selling recreational marijuana. Topic is on June 16th City Council agenda.
Zoning Reform Update RG: New zoning maps will be presented in July identifying “context based areas.” What is currently in a given zone will determine what can be built in that zone going forward. Massing will be determinant, rather than straight measurements. Building placement, rather than straight setbacks will be a determinant. A memo addressing current issues will be put up on WAC website under Zoning.
Announcements: Tour de Newton Sunday June 17 9-10:30. Clearing of invasive species with Friends of Quinobequin this Sunday 9:30 DCR pkg lot.
Meeting adjourned 9pm.
Respectfully submitted by
Dinah Bodkin
