On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 3:59 PM Bijoy Misra <[email protected]> wrote:
> ... *The overwhelming voice is to exclude the Lincoln* > *station area until a full analysis is done.* > ... > Best regards, > Bijoy Misra > > I believe this to be completely unsubstantiated. It may be the view of the loudest/most persistent voices on LT, but AFAIK there isn't any poll that shows a *majority* view to exclude Lincoln Station (or anything else to do with the HCA). -Bob > On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 10:19 AM DJCP <[email protected]> wrote: > >> First, I did not say I wanted people from other towns flocking here. I >> said the opposite. >> >> Second, I would love to maintain the rural character of Lincoln, too, but >> the fact is we have a severe housing shortage not just in Massachusetts but >> across the country. Families who work full time, multiple jobs cannot >> afford apartments, much less condos or homes. There are people looking to >> step into home ownership who can't because they are priced out. The >> Massachusetts shelter system is full, not just from refugees and >> immigrants, but from people who cannot find housing, no matter how much >> assistance they have. So, yes, even luxury condos would help. (Though I >> see the town's commendable track record of negotiating a higher level of >> affordable housing and trust them to continue to do the same.) But it is >> also true that Lincoln's exclusionary zoning - which has maintained the >> rural character we love - has contributed to the housing crisis. Lastly, >> I would love more taxpayers to come to town because in the end I am also a >> capitalist and would like to see my taxes go down. So I can buy berries >> for my kids with abandon. >> >> Diana >> Giles Rd >> >> On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 9:45 AM gail o'keefe <[email protected]> >> wrote: >> >>> Why on earth would we want people from other towns flocking to Lincoln >>> for their groceries?? The beauty of Lincoln's current commercial area is it >>> provides just what the town needs, and not more. This is an environmentally >>> sound model, if not one for thriving capitalism. Lincoln's affordable >>> housing can be expanded without giving up control to developers. >>> >>> Many people move to Lincoln specifically to avoid the traffic and >>> commercial pressures that are evident in neighboring towns, once >>> beautifully semi-rural, now overbuilt with strip malls. Lincoln has been >>> preserved over the decades by careful planning and zoning. >>> >>> As an example of developer-friendly zoning, Lexington has long had >>> commercial zoning in the center, yet there are empty storefronts and over a >>> dozen random banks. There are only two restaurants that have lasted over >>> the years, dozens have shuttered. Zoning for the benefit of developers >>> doesn't guarantee businesses will come, or stay. Belmont is also struggling >>> with empty storefronts, it is happening across the region. Developers come >>> and go, but residents are left with the developers' decisions, rarely based >>> on the long term goals of the town. This is not a good model for Lincoln. >>> If Lincoln cedes control to developers, it is in perpetuity, it can't be >>> reversed. >>> >>> Many in town hope that the working group of the HCA ruling will slow the >>> process, take the necessary time to address the concerns of the >>> townspeople, and allow alternative choices on the ballot. >>> >>> Gail O'Keefe >>> >>> >>> >>> On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 8:14 AM DJCP <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>>> The best way to make sure commercial stays commercial is to make the >>>> businesses viable and the best way to do that is to make sure there are >>>> people shopping there. Sorry but people from other towns are not flocking >>>> to Lincoln to buy $10 pints of strawberries from Donelans. And I've only >>>> been here 5 years and have noticed the string of restaurants that have >>>> tried to fill the ONE space. Whether we make any changes there's no >>>> guarantee these businesses will stick around. That's capitalism folks. But >>>> we can help by AT LEAST zoning for more housing in the area. >>>> >>>> Diana >>>> Giles Rd >>>> >>>> On Sun, Nov 12, 2023, 8:08 AM Peter Buchthal <[email protected]> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Along similar lines, how can the town ensure commercial space stays >>>>> commercial as the new owners could easily decide to raise very high or not >>>>> renew any commercial lease in order to build more luxury residential units >>>>> by right as long as the project has unused housing units within the zoning >>>>> allotment. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Peter Buchthal >>>>> Weston Rd >>>>> >>>>> On Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 12:27 PM David Cuetos <[email protected]> >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> How can the RLF guarantee that any particular commercial space will >>>>>> remain once they sell the land to Civico? Are they planning to include >>>>>> a requirement for a supermarket in the deed? Anything else would just be >>>>>> a >>>>>> "recommendation". >>>>>> >>>>>> On Fri, Nov 10, 2023 at 6:09 PM Margo Fisher-Martin < >>>>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Hi All, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> We know that a zoning change does not “dictate” that anything be >>>>>>> built or changed, but we also know that major changes WILL happen in >>>>>>> Lincoln, should this pass. Do any of you remember many years ago when >>>>>>> zoning changes were made that impacted any changes an owner could make >>>>>>> (as >>>>>>> much as a bay window) without ZBA approval on pre-existing >>>>>>> non-conforming >>>>>>> lots? Some people who are pushing for the re-zoning here are the same >>>>>>> people that tried to instill the fear of “mansionisation” should we >>>>>>> allow >>>>>>> any changes to homes on less than 2 acre lots. At town meeting, they >>>>>>> showed >>>>>>> pictures of dense mid-rise housing from other towns to scare people into >>>>>>> taking away the rights of the pre-existing (grandfathered) >>>>>>> non-conforming >>>>>>> lot owners. Now some of these same people are advocating for providing >>>>>>> similar dense mid-rise housing that they were adamantly opposed to. What >>>>>>> happened to the “stewards of the land?” >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Sincerely, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Margo Martin >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Fri, Nov 10, 2023 at 5:27 PM Margaret Olson < >>>>>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Michelle Barnes from the RLF can confirm, but I believe Donelan's >>>>>>> will remain after the mall redevelopment. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> A reminder: zoning affects what the property owner has a right to do >>>>>>> with their property. It does not dictate that anything be built or >>>>>>> changed. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Fri, Nov 10, 2023 at 4:38 PM Terri via Lincoln < >>>>>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Hi all, >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> If I am reading the rezoning plans correctly.... the Reducition >>>>>>>> in retail includes eliminating Donelans and the Bank. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> Is this correct? >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Theresa K >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Friday, November 10, 2023 at 11:25:26 AM EST, Sara Mattes < >>>>>>>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Is the alternative for the nation area to fill it with dense >>>>>>>>> housing, while we are told there will be reduction in retail? >>>>>>>>> And, that housing will only reflect the wealth gap-only 10% >>>>>>>>> affordable, and the rest, high-end? >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> What happened to the concept of a “vibrant commercial center?” >>>>>>>>> What happened to a “walkable village?” >>>>>>>>> What will everyone walk to as retail is reduced? >>>>>>>>> Each other's units? >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Let us be more creative in what we can develop. >>>>>>>>> As Ken has suggested, we have done it in the past. >>>>>>>>> We seem to have lost our mojo. >>>>>>>>> Let’s get it back. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> The HCA is NOT the answer. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> ------ >>>>>>>>> Sara Mattes >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Nov 10, 2023, at 10:55 AM, Ken Hurd <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Hello LincolnTalkers, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> During the discussion on the Zoom forum hosted by the HCAWG on >>>>>>>>> Wednesday evening, I mentioned the recently released report on the >>>>>>>>> history >>>>>>>>> of exclusionary zoning in the Boston area. And also, for those of >>>>>>>>> you who >>>>>>>>> couldn’t stay to see it following the Wednesday morning forum at Town >>>>>>>>> Hall, >>>>>>>>> below is the link to hear the presentation sponsored by The Boston >>>>>>>>> Foundation. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Unless we know our history, it is known that history has a >>>>>>>>> tendency to repeat itself. With respect to objections raised to the >>>>>>>>> options >>>>>>>>> offered by the Housing Choice Working Group, I do hope that current >>>>>>>>> residents can follow the example of earlier Lincoln leaders from the >>>>>>>>> 1970’s >>>>>>>>> who worked with, rather than against, the 40B mandate from the state >>>>>>>>> to >>>>>>>>> provide more affordable housing. That, and their efforts to preserve >>>>>>>>> land >>>>>>>>> in a way that could be shared with others, made Lincoln a model >>>>>>>>> community >>>>>>>>> that attracted national attention. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> With the Housing Choice Act, there is no less an opportunity to >>>>>>>>> combine our responsibility to provide more housing in the greater >>>>>>>>> Boston >>>>>>>>> region with helping to revive the ailing Lincoln Station area. After >>>>>>>>> all, >>>>>>>>> given our current manner of approving development around Lincoln >>>>>>>>> Station >>>>>>>>> and the fact that there has been no interest by developers in doing >>>>>>>>> so for >>>>>>>>> the past eighteen years, even with more favorable economic >>>>>>>>> conditions, why >>>>>>>>> should we expect anything different other than more empty spaces >>>>>>>>> available >>>>>>>>> for lease going forward? >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I urge us to affirm the work of the Working Group to fulfill the >>>>>>>>> spirit of the Housing Choice Act by supporting Option C, including the >>>>>>>>> rezoning of the mall, to address this conundrum. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Here is the link to the report: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Exclusionary by Design: An Investigation of Zoning’s Use as a Tool >>>>>>>>> of Race, Class, and Family Exclusion in Boston’s Suburbs, 1920 to >>>>>>>>> Today >>>>>>>>> <https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/videos/2023/november/exclusionary-by-design-20231108> >>>>>>>>> tbf.org >>>>>>>>> <https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/videos/2023/november/exclusionary-by-design-20231108> >>>>>>>>> <tbfico.png> >>>>>>>>> <https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/videos/2023/november/exclusionary-by-design-20231108> >>>>>>>>> <https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/videos/2023/november/exclusionary-by-design-20231108> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Respectfully, >>>>>>>>> Ken Hurd >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>>>> To post, send mail to [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. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>>>> To post, send mail to [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. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>>>> To post, send mail to [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. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>>> To post, send mail to [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. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>> To post, send mail to [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. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- >>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>> To post, send mail to [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. >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>> To post, send mail to [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. >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>> To post, send mail to [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. >>>> >>>> -- >> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >> To post, send mail to [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. >> >> -- > The LincolnTalk mailing list. > To post, send mail to [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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