This week we are once again asking you to TAKE ACTION to speak up in favor of creating more homes here in Brookline.
These are the two most important things you can do this week to help promote pro-housing outcomes in Brookline.
ACTION ITEM #1: Sign up to speak, attend, and email the Select Board Public Hearing in support of Warrant Article 9 this Tuesday, October 29, 2024. This is the last major opportunity for the public to weigh in on Article 9 before November Town Meeting. The Select Board may vote its recommendation after the hearing.
If you want to attend in-person: The hearing is in the Select Board Hearing Room, on the 6th floor of Town Hall. The public hearing on WA9 should begin at about 7:00 p.m. To sign up to speak, email toliva@brooklinema.gov and ask to speak on Warrant Article 9. The full agenda is here.
If you want to attend on Zoom: Click here to register. While the meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. we expect our item to come up around 7:00 p.m.
If you want to send an email: Submit your comments by noon on Tuesday, 10/29 to Tiffany Oliva at toliva@brooklinema.gov so the Select Board can read them before the meeting.
We’re asking all pro-housing advocates to support passing Warrant Article 9. This change would:
- Make it easier for existing or new homeowners to add a third unit when renovating basements, attics, or entire houses, to add a home to rent for additional income, or to sell as a condo to reduce their mortgage. They could add an accessible unit so they could downsize without leaving their neighborhood. And they could create an independent apartment for their adult children, a home health aide, a nanny, or for their aging parents.
- Allow new, much-needed housing, giving Brookline another tool to continue to address the housing crisis. Every gut renovation or rebuild that starts without allowing more homes is a lost opportunity.
- Add more homes over time while maintaining existing neighborhoods.
The full text and explanation of the Article is here.
Your voice will make a difference: Our elected representatives care what their constituents think, and your presence at the meeting will emphasize the popular support for this Warrant Article.
Please sign up and speak up, and let the Select Board know you want them to pass Warrant Article 9 this fall.
ACTION ITEM #2: Comprehensive Plan online survey: deadline extended until Nov. 3. If you missed the first deadline, you can still let the Steering Committee and the Town’s Planning and Community Development Department know what you think its priorities should be–including more housing!–as it puts together a long-term plan for Brookline. Click here to fill it out. You can choose either a short, “5 minute,” version or a longer one. More information about the comprehensive planning process can be found at brooklinecompplan.com.