The final vote was relatively close for a major bill with leadership support. But the volume and significance of the changes that the Senate made on the floor — and the close vote — make clear that a House-Senate consensus will not be reached before formal sessions end on July 31. I was pleased to speak for and vote for the bill. Here are some of my takeaways.
Yearly Archives: 2016
Off-limits affordable housing law clouds Senate passage of zoning reforms
The State House News Service reported via WWLP News 22 on the zoning reform debate – Senator Brownsberger share his thoughts on the necessity of including some reforms to Chapter 40B in order to make progress: “One of the decisions that was made in the drafting of this legislation was to keep 40B out of …
Continue reading “Off-limits affordable housing law clouds Senate passage of zoning reforms”
Notice of anti-terrorism training exercise at Fenway, Sunday, June 12, 7AM-1PM
People living in the Fenway neighborhood may hear alarming noises due to anti-terrorism exercises next Sunday. Please see the notice in this post, which we received from the the Red Sox about a counterterrorism exercise by law enforcement agencies that will be held at Fenway Park this Sunday, June 12 from 7 am – 1 pm.
Continuing the conversation about zoning reform
Proposed zoning reforms make sense environmentally, economically and morally. They would move Massachusetts modestly towards a more regional planning approach common in other states and are fair fiscally.
FY2017 Budget
Lots of hard work done; lots left to do to get to end of job on the budget. The Senate process is complete. The House-Senate conference process begins shortly.
Zoning reforms under discussion
Our state-wide zoning framework has not been overhauled since the early 1970s. People on all sides naturally view any changes in the rules with great suspicion. I do intend to support the comprehensive zoning reform package coming before the Senate — we need more housing. But I welcome all questions and comments — the details of the bill are still in flux.