The Public Facilities Committee of Newton City convened on July 16, 2025, to address several pressing infrastructure issues, including the approval of a motion related to a leaking pipe and a petition from National Grid for gas main replacements.

The meeting commenced with a discussion on a leaking pipe that has been a concern for the community. Councillor Kelly moved to close the public hearing regarding this issue, which was approved with a majority vote. The committee emphasized the urgency of addressing the leak to prevent it from persisting for an extended period.

Following this, the committee turned its attention to a petition from National Grid. The utility company requested consent for a grantor location as part of its cast iron replacement program. This project involves replacing approximately 380 feet of old cast iron piping, dating back to 1899, with modern materials. The proposed replacement includes 309 feet of 6-inch plastic pipe along Bacon Street, extending from Washington Street to Pearl Street.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the timing of the project, as it was initially scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2029. A committee member questioned the priority of this project and why it was being expedited. National Grid representatives explained that the decision to replace rather than repair the aging pipes was driven by public safety considerations, particularly due to the history of leaks associated with the old infrastructure.

The committee acknowledged the importance of addressing these infrastructure needs promptly and discussed the implications for public safety and service reliability. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the project priorities and timelines to ensure effective management of the city's public facilities.