Again this week we are focusing on TAKING ACTION. We need your voice to help pass pro-housing legislation, now and during this Fall’s Town Meeting.
ACTION ITEM: Sign up to speak at the Joint Public Hearing on Warrant Article 9 held by the Planning Board and Housing Advisory Board, Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM. B4E is supporting Warrant Article 9, which would allow a third unit in all “T” (two-family) districts while retaining all other applicable zoning regulations (height, lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, and parking requirements). This simple step would permit new, much-needed housing by allowing existing or new homeowners to add a third unit when renovating basements, attics, or entire houses. The full text and explanation of the Article is here.
If you can’t speak at the public hearing, please send emails to the Planning Board’s Polly Selkoe at pselkoe@brooklinema.gov in support, and sign up for future meetings.
Even this modest change is drawing opposition. Some argue that no housing-related zoning changes should be considered until the just-launched Comprehensive Plan finishes its work in 18 months or more. If you think we need to act sooner, we encourage you to make your voice heard.
Other Meetings of Interest This Week
“Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Zoning But Were Afraid To Ask” will be presented by Polly Selkoe from the Town’s Planning Department on Thursday, October 17th, 7:00 – 8:30 PM by Zoom. Sponsored by the Town Meeting Members Association and the League of Women Voters Brookline. Click here to register. Promised topics include: Why zoning? How is zoning evolving in Brookline? What will the future hold? And, notably: How do November Town Meeting Warrant Articles fit?
Also on Thursday, at 6 pm, the Washington Street Design Review Committee will meet to further refine its plans for the Complete Streets project to provide protected bike lanes and improved pedestrian conditions while preserving parking and outdoor dining where possible. Agenda is here; register on Zoom here.
AND DON’T FORGET: Comprehensive Plan online survey
The Comprehensive Plan launched last week. Until October 20 – this week only! – you can fill out an online survey to express your hopes for the plan and the Town – including more housing! Click here to fill it out. You can choose either a short, “5 minute” version or a longer one.