Brookline Select Board Prioritizes Human Services and Zoning Reforms During Recent Meeting

Overview: The Brookline Select Board’s recent meeting on August 20, 2024, addressed a range of vital community issues, including a comprehensive assessment of human services, significant zoning reforms, and the approval of an entertainment license for a new community event.

Brookline Residents Demand Action on Asbestos and Rat Infestations Amid Demolition Concerns

Overview: During the recent Brookline Select Board meeting, concerns were raised by residents regarding the ongoing demolition project at the Waldo Durgin garage, particularly focusing on asbestos exposure and rodent infestations. The meeting featured an extensive discussion about the health and safety risks posed by the construction activities, with residents demanding better communication and more effective mitigation measures from the developers, Chestnut Hill Realty.

Brookline Select Board Approves Licenses Amidst Noise and Safety Concerns

Overview: In a recent Brookline Select Board meeting, members voted to approve a series of licenses for the new Iris Hotel, including an all alcoholic beverages license and entertainment license, despite concerns raised by the public and some board members about potential noise and the management’s capacity to handle operations. The approvals were granted with the inclusion of conditions aimed at addressing these concerns, such as restricting entertainment to indoor areas only and ensuring on-site management availability 24/7.

Brookline Select Board Tackles Town’s Financial Forecast and Community Priorities

Overview: In a recent Brookline Select Board meeting, discussions centered around the town’s financial projections, with a focus on addressing a projected budget gap of $38-49 million over the next five years. The board considered strategies to minimize the impact on both the operating budget and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), emphasizing the need to prioritize initiatives and conduct economic impact studies for future projects. The financial theme continued with debates on the town’s reserve policies and the allocation of funds, including potential adjustments to meet desired reserve levels and their effect on the town’s bond rating and interest costs. Additionally, the board discussed the need for strategic planning to guide budgetary decisions, the impact of ARPA funds, and the potential renegotiation of Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements to benefit the community.

Brookline Select Board Approves New Police Officers Amid Key Discussions

Overview: The Brookline Select Board meeting addressed several issues, including the approval of four new probationary police officers, an extensive review of the town’s fiscal plans for water and sewer rates, and the introduction of new initiatives for affordable housing and commercial space investment. The appointment of Elizabeth Wagner, Dylan Hirsch, Janesa D’Silva, and Christian Silva as probationary officers pending their graduation from the Cambridge Northeastern Police Academy was a notable event.