Two Zipcar vehicles could be based in Newton Centre’s triangle parking lot next year if aldermen agree to make space for them.

Last month, Newton’s Traffic Council voted 4-0 in favor of removing up to two metered spaces from the triangle lot for a one-year Zipcar trial. (Council member and Ward 1 Alderman-at-Large Allan Ciccone was not present.)
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Mayor Setti Warren is hosting a Community Meeting on Safety at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 27, at Newton North High School. All are welcome. The mayor’s goal is to “explore ways to make Newton a safer city for travelers of all ages.” All Newton residents and employees can participate in break-out discussion groups or sign up to participate in future subcommittee meetings.

Newton Villages was created to foster community involvement in planning for the future of our village centers. Walk-ability ranks high among the qualities that make these public spaces enjoyable. Yet, we want the village centers to be safe and convenient for everyone. That means walkers, joggers, parents pushing strollers, bicyclists, the physically disabled, senior citizens, people commuting by bus, trolley, or train, and people driving personal cars or commercial vehicles.

Come to Wednesday’s meeting to share your thoughts. The event is being co-sponsored by Newton Villages, the League of Women Voters, Bike Newton, and Bike and Pedestrian Task Force. For more information, please contact David Koses at 617.796.1133 or dkoses@newtonma.gov.

The city plans to install 86 new bicycle racks in Newton parks and village centers next year — at almost no cost to Newton — providing 262 new spaces for bicycle parking.

The $20,000 cost of the racks will be reimbursed through the Regional Bike Parking Program administered by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). The program’s funding comes from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

Bikes line a handrail at the Highland T Station.

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A petition by Pie Bakery and Cafe comes before the Board of Aldermen’s Land Use Committee on Tuesday night.

As you may recall from our earlier post (and op-ed in the Newton Tab), Pie’s owner Ellen Kaplansky must lease basement space in order to qualify for six of the 24 seats patrons use. This is because antiquated parking requirements make it especially hard for restaurants to open in village centers.

Kaplansky is requesting permission to add 24 seats in her existing restaurant space at 796 Beacon Street in Newton Centre. In the coming months, Panera Bread and the Deluxe Station Diner will be opening their Newton Centre locations, both with more than 50 seats.

If you would like to show support for a local restaurateur, please come to the Land Use Committee meeting at 7:45pm Tuesday, July 13, in the Aldermanic Chamber at City Hall. (Thanks to Philippe Wells of Prana Cafe for the reminder.)

Download the details (PDF) from the city’s planning department: 151-10_796 Beacon Street

I just got word that this week the Mayor is finalizing the membership of his new Transportation Advisory Committee.  If you care about Newton’s quality of life, and if you’re knowledgeable or simply interested in transportation, this is an opportunity you should consider.

From the City:

Have a special interest or expertise in transportation and want to serve your community? Let us know! Mayor Warren is establishing a new Transportation Advisory Committee and Newton residents are needed to assess the City’s accommodations for all modes of transportation including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users, and motorists and will recommend ways to improve the infrastructure for all ages and abilities. For more information, please contact Andrew Warner, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 617-796-1103 or email your resume and/or letter of interest to awarner@newtonma.gov.

The city zoning ordinances that require businesses to provide off-street parking have not been revised since 1963, the same year the Massachusetts Turnpike was being constructed through Newton, when cars ran on leaded gasoline that cost around 30 cents per gallon.

A lot has changed since then. These parking requirements have not. Today, they serve to repel new business and hamper existing businesses that wish to expand. [Read more →]