Question sent to both candidates: As a ward 2 city councilor, what is your vision for the future of Albemarle and its role in our community?

Candidate David Micley replied: 

I am grateful to the Friends of Albemarle for your fierce advocacy for Albemarle Park, a vital community resource for Ward 2 and the entire city. According to city staff I have spoken with, Albemarle is the most-used park in our entire city. I am excited about recent upgrades such as the playground that former Horace-Mann parents raised money for and installed, as well as the new Gath Pool that is expected to open in spring 2024. The park is in need of attention in several ways however, and I would be honored if the voters of Ward 2 give me the chance to be their voice on the City Council advocating for these improvements. One example is flooding. Cheesecake Brook overtops its banks in large rainstorms, and thanks to climate change, those flooding incidents are coming with more frequency. I know plans have been drawn up to address flooding by way of rain gardens and an underground storage tank, but we need to identify the funding source and get those plans implemented as quickly as possible. Another concern is graffiti and general upkeep. I know from speaking with abutters that too often park facilities and surfaces are defaced and it takes a long time for the city to address it. In addition the quality of the field is not what it should be, and as the father of three kids, I know how important it is for parents to feel that their children will be safe when using our fields, and not be in danger of tripping in holes or dirt patches. Lastly I will oppose any efforts to install solar panels along Albemarle Road that involves removing trees. While I strongly support clean energy, it is my understanding that over the years the executive branch has periodically proposed removing trees along Albemarle Road in order to install solar panels there. Trees provide shade, clean the air, hold stormwater, provide habitat for birds and wildlife, and more. If anything I’d like to see more trees in the park, not fewer. I am intrigued by a plan by Charles River Watershed Association to restore natural banks and sinuosity to the Cheesecake Brook, as well as additional trees along the banks, and if elected, would work with Friends of Albemarle Park to ensure the park gets the investments necessary to be the truly world-class park our residents deserve. If you have particular feedback or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My email is micleyfornewton at gmail.com and my cell is 617-413-6330 – call or text anytime.

Candidate Dan Gaynor replied:

As a hometown kid, born and raised on Cabot Street, I’ve been a life-long visitor to Albemarle. It’s the gem of the Garden City: a place to play for kids across the City, particularly for students at Day, Horace Mann, and Newton North; fields for generations of Little Leaguers (including me, a former right fielder); and even the home of annual events like July 4th festivities and Newton Indigenous Peoples Day. It’s the most active park in our City. As a member of Green Newton, a career environmental advocate, and as a dad, I believe we’ve got to invest in protecting our community’s most dynamic green space.

I’m glad to say that the future of Albemarle looks strong. With the groundbreaking of the new Gath Pool behind us, I’m looking forward to taking my daughter to the new splash pad (and eventually, racing me in the swimming lanes). Indeed, I just chatted with the Pohlman’s about ways to ensure more kids access the incredible learning opportunities offered by the Newton Bluefish. I’m also glad to see the new 20 MPH Safety Zone signs up around Albemarle, ensuring our kids can walk and bike safely. Lastly, as we aim to foster more walkable villages across the City, I’m encouraged by the new traffic calming plans. With 4,000 children going to school around Albemarle, along with abutters Fessenden and NECP, it’s essential we mitigate any potential for accidents. 

Looking ahead, though, there’s more we can do to ensure the continued vitality of Albemarle. That starts with Cheesecake Brook. On the heels of the second-rainiest summer in Massachusetts history, we need to enact flood mitigation plans that both protect vulnerable homes and strengthen environmental protections around runoff that extends into the Charles River. I support the plan to install an underground storage tank, restore the sloping, natural banks of the brook, and augment it with bioretention basins. For more on my thoughts, please check out my comments on Cheesecake Brook in a recent debate by clicking here.

We also need to invest in our tree canopy throughout and around Albemarle. Newton has lost 20,000 trees since 1983, and we must do more to protect them. Trees play an essential role throughout Albemarle: mitigating floods, reducing runoff, preventing heat islands, offering shade to athletes and families, and creating the inviting green atmosphere our City is renowned for. 

Lastly, we can always make Albemarle more welcoming to even more residents. When it comes to concerns around turf fields, we should include both environmental and public health experts in the dialogue to dig into the potential risks and benefits. When it comes to graffiti, trash, and vandalism, we should seek to augment oversight of the park with more City funding for police or engaging community groups to deter such activities. And when it comes to access, we should continue to let more community groups — from musicians to educators — know how to work with the Friends of Albemarle Park to access space to teach and play. 

Above all, being a City Councilor means asking great questions — and acting on the answers. Call or text me anytime at 617-947-8550, and my email is dan at gaynorforma.com