Residents urge Newton to become a sanctuary city; several oppose shelter services in neighborhoods

During the public comment period Feb. 4, several Newton residents urged the City Council to adopt a sanctuary-city stance and others expressed opposition to locating consolidated shelter services in established neighborhoods.

McGregor VanBeurden, founder of LGBTQ+ Democrats, told council members he and others feel targeted and unsafe and urged Newton to "become a sanctuary city and commit to all residents regardless of immigration status," saying local resources should focus on local issues rather than enforcing immigration laws. George Batista Hernandez likewise urged sanctuary city status, cited his mother’s long employment and the role Hispanic workers play in the local economy, and urged the council to "make Newton sanctuary city."

Other public commenters raised neighborhood and public-safety concerns in relation to The Corner Table. William Smith said he was confused about the memo the council read and opposed permanent shelter functions, bathing facilities or temporary shelter in his neighborhood, preferring that services be consolidated near the Justice Center. Lee Gaither asked whether The Corner Table would be built inside other established neighborhoods and said these facilities are often placed in "someone else’s neighborhood."

Resident Michael McRee raised separate code and environmental concerns, flagging construction activity on Kensington properties where he said floor trusses had been placed in the street, and pointing to what he described as a potentially hazardous former oil-tank site at 2247 Highway 10 owned by HDW Incorporated. Timothy Cline made a brief remark requesting Newton water glasses on council desks at the next meeting.

Comments were given during the designated public-comment period; council members did not take formal action on the requests during the meeting.