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Residents urge council to prioritize East Newton Park and report long-delayed storm cleanup
Summary
At the Oct. 5 Newton City Council meeting, resident Roberta Coulter urged the council to prioritize East Newton Park and preserve historic classrooms; resident Ernest Squarles said he has waited about 15 months for storm-damaged limbs at 807 Westbrook Drive to be removed and City Manager Todd Clark offered to assist.
During the public comment period at the Oct. 5, 2021 Newton City Council meeting, two residents raised distinct concerns about neighborhood maintenance and park planning.
"I would like to see East Newton Park made an immediate, high priority," Roberta Coulter of 725 S. Caldwell Ave. told the council after reviewing the city's Master Plan; she warned that demolishing the classrooms would erase a part of local history and referenced a proposal from Mark Ivey to help with the site. Several council members said they were aware of the proposal. "To demo the classrooms would be demolishing a part of history," the transcript records.
Resident Ernest Squarles reported an unresolved storm cleanup at 807 Westbrook Drive, saying a church helped remove trees but that limbs remain on the house and that he has been "waiting 15 months" for removal. City Manager Todd Clark asked Mr. Squarles to contact him so staff could help pursue a resolution.
Council Member Ed Sain clarified his understanding that only the gymnasium had been discussed to that point; Council Member Anne Wepner agreed and noted that alternative uses for the classrooms had been mentioned. The transcript shows no formal direction or vote on the East Newton Park or classroom issues during this meeting; the matters were recorded as public comment and flagged for follow up by staff and council members.
