Chris,
That’s an interesting question. I see Lynn DeLisi has already responded to it. I agree with Lynn in general, and here’s my two cents: The recently passed Housing Choice Act (HCA) mandates zoning changes near MBTA stations to allow much higher density housing. However the law states that the penalty for non-compliance is simply the loss of access to some state funds. So compliance is really voluntary. Our new Attorney General, Andrea Campbell, just announced that she will force compliance with the law. However, I believe that such actions would exceed her authority, which is to enforce the law, not make it. Unless the legislature changes the law, I would guess and hope that any enforcement attempt on her part would be shot down by the courts. That being said, I think we should do what we can to comply with the HCA. It applies to the Lincoln Station neighborhood, which is where I live. My understanding is that the state will allow some flexibility in how and where the new zoning could be implemented. I think we should try to find creative solutions that preserve the existing housing in that area, which is already some of the most diverse and affordable in town, while complying with the letter of the law. For example, it’s my understanding the that the RLF (owner of the Mall at Lincoln Station) may be considering options to redevelop the Mall to include mixed use space, including housing. I think that kind of thing would be an ideal way to both provide increased traffic for businesses in the area, encourage use of the commuter rail, and support the RLF, as well as comply with the HCA. If I am elected, I will do my best to find such creative solutions, always in consultation with my neighbors near Lincoln Station, as well as the rest of the town. I will only support approaches that a rational, real-world analysis shows will likely achieve their goals and benefit the town. I might also point out that the HCA’s one-size-fits-all approach to promoting high density housing ignores the fact that, here in Lincoln, about 35% of our housing units are already multi-family (not counting Hanscom). So it’s not like we are NIMBY’s trying to keep out the masses. Best regards, Mark From: Chris McCarthy <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2023 11:43 AM To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] My Candidacy for the Lincoln Planning Board Mark, As a candidate for the Planning Board, would you kindly provide your position on the MBTA Communities Act? It has the potential to mandate zoning changes in town and the AG recently clarified <https://commonwealthmagazine.org/housing/campbell-warns-municipalities-mbta-zoning-law-not-optional/> that compliance is not optional. Thank you, Chris McCarthy 41 Greenridge Ln. On Tue, Feb 21, 2023 at 8:02 AM Mark Levinson <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: I am pleased to announce my candidacy for one of the two open seats on the Lincoln Planning Board. I have lived near Lincoln Station for almost 25 years and have been active in issues affecting our neighborhood and the town. I have served as one of two Neighborhood Liaisons to the Planning Board and its South Lincoln Planning Advisory Committee (SLPAC). I have also been committed to environmental issues, and volunteered for many years for the Sudbury Valley Trustees, a very active and successful land conservation organization. I think that town planning is a key factor in allowing Lincoln to navigate current and future challenges, while preserving the character of the town and our wonderful quality of life. I believe I share the goals of many Lincolnites for our neighborhood and our town: viability of local businesses, diversity, encouraging use of public transportation, and generally doing what we can to fight climate change, while maintaining the rural character of our town. I will represent the views and opinions of all Lincoln residents, not only those of my neighborhood. I will do my best to be open-minded, always considering the facts and likely outcomes of any course of action, knowing that actions to promote one goal may sometimes produce adverse consequences for others. I ask for your support on election day, Monday, March 27. Thank you and best regards, Mark Levinson 8 Ridge Road, Lincoln [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
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