Welcome to the last week of summer (by some definitions). Next week brings not only the opening of many schools but the close of the fall Warrant, after which we should have a better idea how to prepare for a productive Fall Town Meeting. For now, most of the action is going on behind the scenes.
Town Meetings of Interest This Week
On Wednesday August 28 at 8:30 a.m., the Planning Board will continue to review proposed zoning amendments that it plans to submit to Fall Town Meeting, including a proposed Warrant Article to adjust our new ADU bylaw to fit with the even newer state ADU law, possibly making ADU construction even easier. However, as of now the agenda does not include any discussion of other plans to increase housing supply. If the board permits public comment, we encourage you to speak up for more housing. Zoom registration is here, agenda is here and the link to the draft articles is here.
On Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM, the Planning Board will meet again. The agenda includes continued examination of the major project for a 6-story building with 50 housing units at 40 Kent Street/40 Webster Place, appointing a Design Advisory Team and reviewing a Board letter to the applicant. Agenda is here, project materials are here, and the Zoom registration link is here.
Reminder: Upcoming Brookline for Everyone Events in September
September 8 is Brookline Day, a celebration of all things Brookline at Coolidge Corner, organized by the Brookline Recreation Department, with “vendors, games, inflatables, trucks, food, face painters, bands, prizes, and special activities,” and, best of all, you can volunteer at the Brookline for Everyone table! Come to have fun, meet your neighbors, say hello, and learn about town affairs. Sign-up to volunteer here.
The next day, Monday, September 9, will be B4E’s fall happy hour, once again at Grainne O’Malley’s, 201 Harvard Street (at Marion St.), from 5:30 to 7:00. All are welcome: come and meet your housing-friendly neighbors! Register for the event here.
And on Wednesday, Sept 18, our friends at Yes! in Brookline are sponsoring a forum on Housing for All in Brookline: For-profit and Nonprofit Developer Perspectives. Two Brookline residents who are active housing builders, Amy Schectman and Zeina Talje, will explain the obstacles they face, and overcome, to build housing for us all. Cathleen Cavell,Town Meeting Member Precinct 1, will moderate. 7:00-8:30 pm, Brookline Town Hall, Select Board Hearing Room, 6th floor. This in-person event will be live-streamed by BIG. B4E is a cosponsor. Register to attend here.
What We’re Reading This Week
A report from Boston Indicators delivers the grim news that Boston boasts the second-highest rate of homelessness among US cities, behind New York but just ahead of Portland, Los Angeles and Washington. As the report notes, “what all these cities have in common is low housing production leading to high home prices and rents.”
The good news is that Boston does better than most in providing shelter for homeless individuals and families. For some insight, you can read this recent interview with Lyndia Downie, president of Boston’s venerable Pine Street Inn. We can support, and be proud of, those efforts while recognizing that in a better world that money and effort would support permanent homes for everyone.