How can the City keep village centers economically vital?

Is there a way to make it easier to allow sidewalk seating for cafes?*

Can the parking in Newton Centre be optimized?

The Aldermen discuss these items and a possible yoga studio and/or office space at 242-44 Commonwealth, how our books look, bathroom renovations at the Gath Pool (finally!), and the funds to design and engineer the many modulars needed to keep our elementary classrooms from busting at the seams.

Details here.

*Newton ordinance trivia: umbrellas over sidewalk tables are illegal. Anyone know why?