None of the categories in this blog pertain directly to housing. Given the skyrocketing rents, prices and valuations for homes in this district, why is this not a regular topic of discussion?
Housing
Alexis Ivy
On July 24, Alexis Ivy read her poetry of homelessness and addiction in the statehouse. Worth listening.
Short Term Rentals Conference Committee Report
The House and Senate have reached an agreement to regulate and tax short term rentals, like AirBnB.
RECAP: Community Discussion on Birmingham Pkwy Possibilities
Attendees weighed-in on possible directions, including the potential for development of affordable housing, improvement of roadways and infrastructure, and preservation of open space
Zoning Reform — how it went in the Senate
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.
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.