Newton panel approves gas vault despite 2-1-1 split

Other Committee · Meeting of August 19, 2026

NEWTON — The Newton Public Facilities Committee split 2-1-1 on a National Grid gas regulator relocation and unanimously advanced a $1.9 million affordable housing grant. Councilor Alison Leary cast the dissenting vote on National Grid's Commonwealth Avenue petition, saying she would not support "any gas infrastructure" until the city has a plan to transition off methane gas; the item now heads to the full City Council, likely after September 8. CPA Program Manager Molly Hutchins presented the $1.9 million appropriation for the Newton Affordable Housing Trust, which Chair Anne Houston said will help fund two new 100 percent affordable projects, in Newton Highlands and West Newton, at roughly "$50,000 a unit." The committee also unanimously approved shifting $623,130.15 in surplus Cabot School construction-bond proceeds to reduce borrowing for the Franklin School project, with Comptroller Steve Curley noting the public buildings department has averaged a 1 percent contingency utilization rate on capital projects over 20 years.

Four Design Review Committee appointments, including newcomer Stacy Roman, passed without objection.

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Source: the Other Committee meeting of August 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.