Carroll Center launches new fundraiser to hire more staff, renovate buildings

by Newton News Editor | Dec 18, 2023 | Newton Beacon

The Carroll Center for the Blind announced on Dec. 11 their new fundraising campaign that aims to raise $18 million dollars in the next five years to expand services, hire more staff, improve their buildings and grow their endowment. The Carroll Center, which is...

Newton teachers vote ‘no confidence’ in mayor, School Committee

by Newton News Editor | Dec 14, 2023 | Newton Beacon

The Newton Teachers Association on Wednesday night cast a vote of “no confidence” in Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and the Newton School Committee, in the latest development in an increasingly heated contract negotiation. The vote was 1,635 in favor and one against, with six...

Five things to do in Newton this weekend

by Newton News Editor | Dec 14, 2023 | Newton Beacon

Hanukkah ends on Friday, but the festive season pushes onward with lots of holiday cheer and colorful sights to see. This weekend is set to have temperatures in the 40s, so dress accordingly and get out and enjoy the city. There’s music, dancing, free exercise classes...

City Hall requests $3 million to dredge ponds

by Newton News Editor | Dec 14, 2023 | Newton Beacon

The city will soon dredge the ponds next to City Hall, and the price tag is more than five times higher than the last time that work was done. At a joint meeting of the Finance and Public Facilities committees, members voted to recommend approval for Mayor Ruthanne...

Colleagues remember George Mansfield, longtime alderman and city councilor

by Newton News Editor | Dec 13, 2023 | Newton Beacon

When George E. Mansfield—one of the longest serving city councilors in Newton’s history—was celebrating the holidays with his extended family in Maryland, as he often did, it wasn’t unusual for him to rush home as soon as possible to deal with city business. His...

Newton’s Village Center rezoning passed: What does it all mean?

by Newton News Editor | Dec 12, 2023 | Newton Beacon

The City Council passed the Village Center Overlay District rezoning plan last week, but not before a slew of amendments were adopted, many of which scaled back the ambitious proposal. “I’m really pleased that the ordinance was passed pretty much intact—not many...

Committee mulls ethics policy following ‘Unwelcome’ texts between councilors

by Newton News Editor | Dec 11, 2023 | Newton Beacon

The Newton Programs and Services Committee discussed potentially adding an ethics oversight process to City Council following Ward 6 Councilor Brenda Noel’s claims that she received inappropriate text messages from a City Council colleague. “I have never been in such...

Work begins on Hammond Pond Parkway safety improvements

by Newton News Editor | Dec 11, 2023 | Newton Beacon

After months of waiting and preparation, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has started work on safety improvements to the Hammond Pond Parkway. Approved in 2022, the $11.3 million project is aimed at boosting both safety and accessibility for...

Marc Up: Laredo to be next City Council president

by Newton News Editor | Dec 7, 2023 | Newton Beacon

Marc Laredo, at-large councilor from Ward 7, will be Newton’s next City Council president. After several tie votes, a few other nominations and one councilor eventually flipping his vote in order to stop it all, the Council-elect voted to elect Laredo president on...

Five Things to Do in Newton This Weekend

by Newton News Editor | Dec 7, 2023 | Newton Beacon

As the weather warms this weekend, there’s a lot to see around the city. There’s probably going to be some rain on Sunday, so plan accordingly. With a baker’s dozen villages, the city isn’t lacking in holiday season activity. And Hanukkah has begun, bringing with it a...