2026-06-22 - City Council Hearings Meeting
Summary
Built from official minutes.
- CPC (Community Preservation Committee) items presented by Bob McArroll, CPA Chair. Most projects approved; several with specific recusals or concerns.
- Items approved: Down Payment Assistance ($300K), Nahorniak Park Pickleball/Tennis ($300K), Nathan Bill Pickleball/Tennis ($300K), Historic Home Restoration ($300K), Affordable Housing Trust Fund 26123 Main St ($300K, with President Whitfield recused), Old First Church ($300K), Gunn Block Stabilization ($300K), Mulberry House Roof ($200K), Straitway to Heaven ($185.5K), 52 Sumner Avenue ($153.8K), Myrtle Street Park Fitness Course ($150K), Rainville & New Court Terrace ($100K), Bella Apartments ($100K motion to committee), Parent Villages Nonprofit Center ($74.5K), McKnight Park Restoration ($63.8K), 7-9 Stockbridge Street ($51.5K).
- Special permits: Motor vehicle repairs at Nursery Street and Stafford Street approved; Boston Road vehicle sales continued for neighborhood feedback; Boston Road vehicle repairs (AAMCO) approved.
- Zone change: Gilbert Avenue from Residence A to B approved by petitioner Althea Haines.
Community Preservation Act Projects
McArroll presented all CPC items. Several councilors participated remotely. Councilor Hurst asked to take Bella Apartments separately. Councilor Martin asked to take Nathan Bill Pickleball/Tennis separately and asked about request process and economic thresholds. Councilor Walsh asked about Affordable Housing Trust Fund disclosure. President Whitfield recused herself from vote on 26123 Main St with Councilor Delgado presiding. Councilor Fenton recused himself from Bella Apartments and Parent Villages items due to law firm representation concerns.
Bella Apartments
McArroll presented redevelopment of Brightwood School. Councilor Davila asked about petitioner funding and if funds return to city if project incomplete. Councilor Hurst raised serious concerns: City Clerk (name given as Megan in minutes) has financial interest; ethical and possible criminal violations; requested legal opinion. Motion by Councilor Hurst to send to committee, seconded by Councilor Perez. Councilor Davila and Councilor Santaniello agreed. Councilor Walsh supported motion. Councilor Perez explained reason for seconding. Councilor Govan and Councilor Martin spoke. Councilor Brown spoke in favor of motion. Councilor Delgado spoke on item. Councilor Hurst spoke again and addressed Ms. DeForge of the Republican. Councilor Walsh requested end to discussion and call question but Council President Whitfield noted hand in queue. After discussion, motion to committee carried 12-0 with Councilor Fenton abstaining.
Special Permits
- 136 Nursery Street/163-165 Stafford Street motor vehicle repairs: Misael Colon and Phill Dromey presented. Councilor Brown and Councilor Perez visited site, gave approval. Approved 13-0.
- 879 Boston Road motor vehicle sales (accessory): Muhammed Noorzad presented. Councilor Govan wanted business confirmation. Councilor Click-Bruce requested continuation pending neighborhood council feedback.
- 867 Boston Road motor vehicle repairs (change in petitioner to AAMCO): Thaddeus Stewart presented. Councilor Govan confirmed AAMCO, favorable with civic association. Approved 13-0.
Zone Changes
Petitioner Althea Haines presented zone change from Residence A to B at WS Gilbert Avenue (05650-0125). Approved 13-0.