04/24/2025
WHAT HAPPENED? Councilors voted to approve Community Preservation Act funds for a variety of projects around the City. Councilors also voted to amend rules around remote participation in City Council meetings. Councilors approved an application for outdoor seating in Market Square by la Rosa’s, a new restaurant on the bullnose.
WHY DOES IT MATTER? CPA funds provide addtional money to a variety of projects that support open space, historic preservation, affordable housing and outdoor recreation. Council approved funding for nearly a dozen projects, including an accessibility lift at the Custom House, restoration of the Nock/Molin playground, and repairs to the Atkinson Common lily pond.
Council also amended rules around Zoom participation in public meetings for both Councilor and citizens. Every effort to provide remote participation will be provided whenever public comment is allowed in chambers. After lengthy debate, Council also voted to allow restaurant seating to expand into Market Square for summer parklet season.
WHAT WAS THE VOTE COUNT? Councilors unanimously passed most projects, though there was the occasional no vote and recusal.
After amending the meeting rules to remove language about leaving Zoom participation to the discretion of the Chair, Councilors unanimously approved the remote meeting participation rules.
Councilors voted 6-5 to approve the Market Square outdoor seating for LaRosa. Councilors Donahue, Khan, Lane, Shand, and Zeid voted no.
