Five Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 4

1. New tax rates passed. The Newton Board of Aldermen passed new tax rates last night for fiscal 2013. Pending approval from the Dept. of Revenue, the new rate for residential properties will be $11.49 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from $11.17 in fiscal 2012. This comes out to be a $280.43 increase/year on taxes for the median home price in Newton ($685,900). The commercial tax rate will be set at $21.93 per $1,000, up from $21.33. This works out to be a $324.93 increase for the median commercial property in Newton ($754,200). Newton Patch will have more details for you later today!

2. Farmers' market. The Newton Indoor Farmers' Market will be open today from 1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Hyde Community Center. 

3. Yoga for people who have cancer. The West Suburban YMCA is collaborating with Facing Cancer Together for a free yoga class for people who have cancer. The class is held on Tuesdays from 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. For more information, visit the West Suburban YMCA website.

4. Land Use Committee. The Board of Aldermen's Land Use Committee will meet tonight at 7 p.m. in room 222 at City Hall. One of the items pertains to a possible new retail building at 1081 Washington St. (next to Beacon Hill Athletic Club). To view tonight's agenda, check out the .pdf to the right.

5. Author event. Newtonville Books will host Laura Harrington, author of Alice Bliss, and Juliette Fay, author of The Shortest Way Home, tonight at 7 p.m.