Upcoming Events
Riverside Public Hearings on proposed changes to project
The Newton City Council is holding virtual public hearings to discuss and solicit feedback on Mark Development's request to change aspects of the approved Riverside Development project. We will post and circulate Zoom links as they're available.
The next Land Use Committee public hearing is planned for Tuesday, July 13 (2021) and will focus on Transportation issues.
The hearing begins at 7 p.m., but the Riverside discussion is not expected to start until 8 p.m. or later.
Here's the Zoom link to attend:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81796094259. The meeting ID is 817 9609 4259.
An additional public hearing on the project is expected to be held Tuesday, August 10 on Civil Engineering (Stormwater, Utilities, Public Facilities). Look for details and reminders from us next month.
Public comment at these hearings is allowed, so please sign in and consider speaking up.
Background:
The Newton City Council approved a special permit for the Riverside project in October 2020, after 2 ½ years of meetings, presentations, and intense negotiations.
However, in January 2021, Mark Development (MD) proposed some significant changes to the project they say are needed because of market forces related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Notably, they want to replace the hotel with a lab/life science building and reduce the square footage of the residential, retail, and open space. MD is expected to seek approval from the City Council in winter/spring 2021, and then public hearings would begin.
For more info on the proposed changes (amendment) and our response, visit the News Updates section of our website.
Click here to see Mark Development's approved special permit plans on the City's website.
The LFIA Riverside Committee has been actively engaged in this process, providing feedback to our Ward 4 Councilors (Lenny Gentile, Josh Krintzman, and Chris Markiewicz), who have been advocating on our behalf to minimize negative impacts of the development, provide adequate mitigation funds, and ensure neighborhood participation during the construction process.
Thank you for your continued support!
RightSize Riverside Lawn Signs
Yellow, 18x24inches, with wire stake
Order a RightSize Riverside lawn sign. Help get our message out!
Signs are free -- but donations of any amount are welcomed to help defray our costs and support our work. Thank you for supporting the Riverside Committee's work to achieve a RightSize Riverside!
ORDER YOUR SIGN
Past Events
2021
Tuesday, June 22
Land Use Committee public hearing on Site and Building Design, and Design Guidelines
Tuesday, May 11
Land Use Committee public hearing on Housing and Fiscal Impact (first half hour), then Traffic and Transportation. Reviewed projected traffic impacts of the developer's proposed changes.
Tuesday, April 27
Land Use Committee public hearing on Housing and Fiscal Impact. Reviewed proposed changes to residential and commercial programs, including affordable housing, and fiscal impact analysis. Discussion continued to May 11.
Tuesday, April 13
Land Use Committee public hearing to discuss the developer's proposed changes to the project.
2020
Monday, Oct. 19
Full City Council
Land Use Committee:
Tuesday, Oct. 6
Tuesday, Sept 29
Thursday, Sept. 10
Tuesday, Aug. 18
Tuesday, Aug. 4
Tuesday, July 28
And numerous meetings and hearings before these ...
