We’re gearing up to grow our capacity.  Two quick points on that front:

1. We are now officially a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  Donations are tax-deductible.
2. We have released our first newsletter. Please share it with your friends.

We have big stuff planned, starting in the fall, and we want to be ready. Scavenger hunts, more TAB guest columns, work on a new Village Day, a village vitality workshop, and more. Now’s the time to suit up, if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines. Join us.

International Walnut Market 20 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands International specialty store that features all foods from European to Middle Eastern to Asian, as well as a boutique line of beer and wine, with Persian rugs to boot!

Moe Khalaj, a Needham resident, established International Walnut Market in 2004.

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Last week, the TAB ran a pretty detailed story on the outreach event for the Mayor’s Mixed Use Task Force, held on July 29th.  It’s posted here.  Thanks to their team for giving the MUTF the attention it deserves.

One of the notes from the meeting gave me pause, though:

Residents present said it was important for building designs to be similar in each village so the city would look like one entity, rather than creating 13 separate “islands” independent from one another.

All the villages should look the same?   [Read more →]

From Alderman John Rice:

NewtonStreets: We will be closing specific streets on selected Sunday afternoons this summer and fall, to encourage residents to explore the City and enjoy safe walking, running and biking. The first program will be on August 8, 1 – 4 PM. Lake Ave. adjacent to Crystal Lake will be closed to cars and open to bicyclists, pedestrians & in-line skaters from Rogers to Beacon St. Music, Whole Foods snacks, and family-friendly activities will be located along the street. NewtonStreets will continue in September with activities along Albemarle Rd and Brandeis Rd. Sponsored by Bike Newton, the Newton Bicycle/Pedestrian Task Force and the City of Newton Parks & Recreation Dept. For more info or to volunteer: call  Ald. John Rice 617-201-7088.

Auburndale residents — many of whom have been asking for a local place to grab dinner and a drink — will have their wishes granted later this month.

The Bocca Bella Cafe & Bistro will be opening soon at 442 Lexington Street, around the corner from highly rated village diner The Knotty Pine. Bocca Bella will be a full-service restaurant, serving “great food and libation.” The restaurant’s phone number is — or will be– (617) 928-1200.

Space adjacent to the restaurant houses the LuckArt Gallery, which will host musical concerts and art exhibits.

Bocca Bella joins relative newcomer Wally’s Wicked Good Ice Cream & Treats , also highly rated, which offers gourmet ice cream flavors like Purple Cow and Kahlua Chip, and Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip frozen yogurt.

Hungry yet?

The city plans to install 86 new bicycle racks in Newton parks and village centers next year — at almost no cost to Newton — providing 262 new spaces for bicycle parking.

The $20,000 cost of the racks will be reimbursed through the Regional Bike Parking Program administered by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). The program’s funding comes from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

Bikes line a handrail at the Highland T Station.

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