These two weeks will tell us a lot
These two weeks will tell us a lot
“The reason that young people are leaving the state, the reason that employers can't expand in the state, the reason other companies aren't going to come to Massachusetts, is because housing costs are so high.”
That was Gov. Maura Healey on WBZ this weekend, addressing the need for municipalities to collectively do their part unlocking opportunities for new housing under the MBTA Communities Act and her other proposals now pending on Beacon Hill.
The next two weeks will tell us a lot about how three of our chamber communities – Needham, Wellesley and Watertown – will rise to this challenge.
All eyes on Needham Thursday night
All eyes on Needham Thursday night
HONE, the committee of town officials, businesses and residents that’s been meeting for months to develop Needham’s MBTA Communities compliance plan is gearing up for one final big community meeting this Thursday (March 28).
They’ve developed two complimentary proposals, with the hope of passing – ideally both -- at Town Meeting this fall. (FAQs here)
The first, the Base Compliance Scenario, simply meets the requirements of the state law and won't likely help create many new homes.
The second, the Neighborhood Compliance Plan, is more inclusive. It adds more opportunities for homes for young families, downsizing seniors and workers and nurtures the town's economic vitality.
HONE will present its final recommendations Thursday (March 28) at 7 p.m. both in-person in Powers Hall at Needham Town Hall and virtually via Zoom.
They’ll also show data that makes it clear that new growth is a net positive for the town and does not put a strain on schools. (Slides 24-30)
If your business is in Needham, if you live in Needham -- or if you hope to someday open a business or move there -- please attend, or speak virtually, in support of the Neighborhood Plan.
The public comment period starts at 7:50 p.m. It's vital that town leaders hear from the business community.
Wellesley Town Meeting began last night. And the town had been hoping for speedy approval of its lightly-debated compliance plan as soon as next week.
That’s now up in the air.
Last week the town received a letter from the state’s Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities saying it needs to address a number of issues on its pre-adoption review application, as Bob Brown at the Swellesley Report writes.
In the letter EOHLC recommended that the town address the concerns outlined before putting the compliance plan to a vote.
However, on Friday Wellesley Executive Director Meghan Jop told Brown they may still move forward seeking a vote next week. Then they’ll come back to Special Town Meeting in the fall with any changes needed to satisfy the state.
A hastily-called joint meeting of the Select Board and Planning Boards is happening at 5:30 p.m. today to discuss further, so could that change?
As you may recall, I’ve been critical of Wellesley’s compliance plan, for reasons I explain here that are basically unrelated to the state’s concerns.
It’s also disappointing that the town basically drafted its plan without the community engagement sessions that Needham, Watertown, Newton and many other communities have.
When done right, those sessions can engage, educate and energize a community about the collective benefits of addressing our housing needs and generate good ideas too.
Watertown in the on deck circle
Watertown in the on deck circle
By far, Watertown has had the deepest engagement process of our four chamber communities, organizing a three-day community charette and other large and small gatherings, as part of wholistic look at Watertown Square.
The conversations were facilitated by Stantec, Utile and urban planner Jeff Speck and “you don’t hire those consultants if you just want to do paper compliance,” Sam Ghilardi of the Housing For All Watertown tells Banker & Tradesman.
“We are thrilled with what has been proposed so far.”
At the last community meeting, the majority of nearly 200 attendees indicated in a straw poll that they want the city to go big in unlocking opportunities for new multi-family housing in and around the square.
A final presentation is next Thursday (April 4) at 6:30 p.m., at 66 Galen Street and livestreamed (RSVP). After that, the plan goes to the planning board and city council.
Today’s grab bag
Today’s grab bag
- The YMCA of Greater Boston’s 2024 YGB Games is happening May 10 at the Charles River Y in Needham. This friendly competition is a great team-building and networking opportunity. View past games and register.
- In an interview with Watertown News, Jodie Zussman of Boston Development Group talked about the status of their life science project with the Davis Companies at 66 Galen Street and how it was inspired by her late father.
- Antonio De Trizio, owner of former Latina's in Needham, will be opening up a new casual full-service restaurant in West Newton called Ninebark. Expect a modern American cuisine menu with influences from the best sellers at Latina.
- The African Student Association at Bentley University is hosting the African Business Conference, April 6. Themed 'Investing in Africa: Igniting Initiative', it features prominent speakers and discussions aimed at fostering innovative solutions for African development. Tickets.
- The Watertown City Council is seeking individuals who live in, work in, or own property in Watertown to apply to serve on the Blue Ribbon Committee to examine the salaries of city councilors. Contact Doug Newton at dnewton@watertown-ma.gov for details.
- The FDA gave Waltham biotech Invivyd Inc emergency use authorization for a drug to prevent Covid-19 in people who are immunocompromised. (BBJ)
- Celebrate the talent of artist Renee Silva and enjoy an evening of art, home decor, and community, tomorrow (Weds) from 4-6 p.m. at Elizabeth Home Decor & Design, 242 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill.
- The annual Run of the Charles will be held April 27.
Cocktails-to-go: Will they stay or go?
The authorization for restaurants to sell cocktails-to-go expires on Sunday (March 31) and Beacon Hill is split on whether or not to extend the pandemic-era accommodation.
The House supports it. The Senate doesn’t. So it will now be up to a joint conference committee to try and work out the differences to send to the governor.
Want to weigh in? Contact lawmakers here.
On the other hand, municipalities will no longer need the state’s permission to grant or renew outdoor dining permits every year under a proposal approved by both houses, according to our friends at the Mass Restaurants Association.
Select board candidates get down to businesses
Select board candidates get down to businesses
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A reminder to join us tomorrow (Weds) at 3 p.m. for a virtual debate with the three candidates running for two seats on Needham’s Select Board on April 9.
I’ll ask incumbent Kevin Keane and challengers Josh Levy and Tina Burgos how they think they can help Needham businesses, along with other questions related to economic development. (Send me your questions for the candidates.)
Register here. The event will be recorded.
Also: The Needham Channel has interviews with the candidates and so does the Needham Observer.
Maybe someone else needs to make these decisions
I’ll ask incumbent Kevin Keane and challengers Josh Levy and Tina Burgos how they think they can help Needham businesses, along with other questions related to economic development. (Send me your questions for the candidates.)
Register here. The event will be recorded.
Also: The Needham Channel has interviews with the candidates and so does the Needham Observer.
Maybe someone else needs to make these decisions
Last week a Newton City Council committee discussed possibly moving its municipal elections from odd numbered years (when turnouts can be in the teens) to even years when there is state or federal election (and turnout reaches closer to 50 percent).
Consolidating elections would also save the city more than $200,000.
As with most election reforms, most of the councilors quoted in B.C. Heights reporter Brendan O’Friel’s story are against it.
But then again, those folks won their seats in odd-numbered years.
Just as the council twice created a blue ribbon commission to consider its compensation, there could be an independent body appointed to consider this.
Another 2,350 meals served to those in need
Another 2,350 meals served to those in need
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Finally this morning, that’s Kay Masterson, owner of Cabot’s Ice Cream & Johnny’s Luncheonette, with Welcome Home volunteer Sandy dropping off meals as part of Nourishing Newton, our partnership with the Rotary Club of Newton, a program that supports both our local independent restaurants and those facing food insecurity.
We recently wrapped up our winter of round of deliveries of fresh meals from Moldova, Baramor, Thistle and Leek, Cabot’s, Blue Ribbon and House of Tandoor to food pantries throughout the city.
Now in its fourth year, this year's program (funded with a $50,000 state grant), provided 2,350 meals to the Newton Food Pantry, Centre Street Food Pantry, Welcome Home, the West Suburban YMCA and the Newton Senior Center throughout the month of February.
We recently wrapped up our winter of round of deliveries of fresh meals from Moldova, Baramor, Thistle and Leek, Cabot’s, Blue Ribbon and House of Tandoor to food pantries throughout the city.
Now in its fourth year, this year's program (funded with a $50,000 state grant), provided 2,350 meals to the Newton Food Pantry, Centre Street Food Pantry, Welcome Home, the West Suburban YMCA and the Newton Senior Center throughout the month of February.
Thanks to Rotary volunteer Alie French for facilitating coordination of this effort to support our restaurants and our community.
And special thanks Sen. Cindy Creem for championing this program and securing its funding for the past four years.
That’s what you need to know for today, unless you need to know which Trader Joe product just went up in price for the first time since the chain started selling them individually back in 2001.
Be back later this week.
Greg Reibman (he, him)
President & CEO
617.244.1688
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