No more need to say “proto”, “nascent” or “ad hoc” to describe the Waban neighborhood organization that now completes Ward 5 coverage by ultra-local community government.
On July 8, on First Call of the Board of Aldermen, during an oppressively steamy summer evening, Newton’s Aldermen accepted the recommendation of their Programs and Services Committee to recognize the existence and legitimacy of this newest iteration of “grass roots” government!
Waban is the fourth of our 13 Villages to create its Area Council. The Council’s next steps to total functionality: election of nine Councilors and creation of By-Laws. Who will be next?
Mazel tov – welcome to the club!
This is terrific!!!!!
I think area councils have a very strong potential to focus on substantive long term needs in each village and that can only be good for both the Village and the City. Some have argued that Area Councils will compete with or complicate the work of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. I strongly disagree. They can help City Government identify real problems and challenges in each village and some feasible ways of resolving these difficulties. In short, they can help separate the wheat from the chaff so that’s its the chaff and not the wheat that gets burned.
I’ve been a member of the Highlands Area Council for the past two years. One real benefit for Sallee and others in Waban is that they will begin to see new possibilities for improving Waban Village that might never have been identified without the focused work of an Area Council. We work very well with all 6 Aldermen from Wards 5 and 6 and I know the Upper Falls Council does the same with their aldermen. This is a win win for everyone.
Congrats Sallee! To you and all the folks that got the Waban AC established.
The way I look at it is the more people active in the city, the better. If the councils are just recycling active people it won’t mean much, but if it attracts new people it’s awesome.
I agree with everything @Bob has put forth above. As we pushed for the Waban council, we also observed the efforts of others, particularly the Highlands and Upper Falls. We were incredibly impressed with the direct working relationships that formed, and that acted to address community issues and goals.
@Tom’s point is also an interesting one. Right now, we’re actively pushing to get the residents of Waban geared up to run for their place in shaping Waban’s future. Perhaps they will then become more active across Newton as well.
Tom – I know that the Upper Falls Council is a nice mix of people who have been active for years in Upper Falls along with a bunch of newcomers who’s first real public role has been with Council. That seems ideal to me. It seems to be a great way of drawing new people into a more active role in the neighborhood.
What is the expected relationship between the new Waban Area Council and the long established Waban Improvement Society? How are they similar? How are they different?
Sounds great. The area council’s should be the minor leagues for the Board of Aldermen, like the PTO’s are for the SC. That would be great. Recruiting new people and bringing in fresh blood would be so healthy for the city.
@Patrick – Waban Area Council organizers have been working with (or in some cases are members of) the Waban Improvement Society. The relationship will find its own path, but we expect it will be not unlike that between the Newton Highlands NAC and the Hyde Center. The WIS role is well established and involves community building, beautification, and community events. The WAC will act as a forum for discussing and acting upon community issues and concerns as well as providing a coordinated village voice in City government when necessary.
Patrick – It’s also somewhat similar to the relationship between the Upper Falls Area Council and the Upper Fall Community Development Corporation (CDC). The CDC has existed for many years before the Area Council and supports various neighborhood events, activities, and organizations. Most recently for example, the CDC was a crucial sponsor of Feast of the Falls.
The CDC and Area Council have different roles but have been working together nicely on various activities since the Area Council was formed. A few members of the Area Council are also part of the CDC which helps.
The Area Council is the formal link to the city government and the elected voice of the village. The CDC is a volunteer organization with financial resources. The two working together are much more effective than either one by itself.
I’d guess a similar relationship will evolve in Waban.
Chris and Jerry, thank you both for your explanations. The information is very helpful.