The Land Use Committee of Newton City convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss several key issues related to local aqueducts and their impact on public access and landscaping. The meeting featured a dialogue primarily focused on the Sudbury and Cochituate Aqueducts, with council members raising concerns about public access and environmental considerations.

Councilor Downs initiated the discussion by inquiring about the Sudbury Aqueduct, which serves as a popular trail connecting Cold Spring Park to Newton Center Green and Tyler Terrace. Downs asked whether public access to the aqueduct would be maintained or restricted. In response, Mr. Lee confirmed that access to the Sudbury Aqueduct would remain open to the public, alleviating concerns about potential closures.

Downs also raised a question regarding the Cochituate Aqueduct, specifically about the presence of trees in the landscape plan. He noted that while the property is now city-owned, it is still in active use, and he cited concerns from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) regarding the potential impact of tree roots on the aqueduct's brick structure. Mr. Lee clarified that the trees in question are existing and mature, and there are no plans to remove them.

Councilor Lucas then contributed to the discussion by referencing a previously installed fence on the Sudbury Aqueduct. He sought confirmation that no new fences would be erected in the future. Mr. Lee assured the committee that any installations would require MWRA approval, indicating that no additional fences would be added without proper authorization.

The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining public access to the aqueducts while balancing environmental concerns. The committee's discussions underscored the ongoing commitment to preserving these vital community resources. As the meeting concluded, members expressed a shared interest in ensuring that future developments respect both public access and the integrity of the aqueduct structures.