I hope recent comments lead to a discussion as to what is the right amount of development for Lincoln right now. So far, I feel the argument has been binary, assuming that someone either supports housing (to the max) or wants absolutely zero development and is accused of being a NIMBY. Yet, at least in my opinion, we all would benefit by having a well-substantiated, middle ground option that balances the needs to expand housing in Massachusetts (a problem Lincoln cannot solve on its own) with the impacts of overdevelopment (limited infrastructure like roads, which in Lincoln cannot be widened) and the impacts on the cherished central area. I have had concerns that the options initially put forth by the presenters were too aspirational and lacked substance (e.g., # units that can actually be built, impact on traffic, taxes, etc.). But I do not want to vote against more development either. So, I am hoping that we can come together at town meeting, iron out the issues, and find a great solution that nearly all in town can be happy with.
I have been trying to understand the issues better myself and created a video focusing on just one aspect: how much higher is the actual number of units that can be built. I tried to be completely unbiased and just focusing on facts when creating this video, and hope many will consider watching it: https://youtu.be/mqXo4TPw3MI In response to the Selects’ post about the December 2nd Special Town > Meeting, I’d like to pose a follow up question. To quote Andy Wang, “all > the ‘E’ alternatives provided by the Lincoln Residents for Housing > Alternatives are set up so that the majority of the land that is re-zoned > are on existing multi-family areas and unlikely to be developed…So in that > case, whatever 10% 15%, 25% of 0 is still 0.” > My understanding is the HCAWG was tasked with putting forth options in > both the letter and spirit of the law. While I believe the voices of those > who are opposed to the spirit of HCA should indeed be represented, that > opportunity will come at the March Town Meeting. I am concerned that adding > an E option to the December 2nd ballot puts us at risk of rendering the > March vote moot. In essence, there could be a potential “no housing” vs. > “no housing” vote on the March ballot, suppressing the voices of those who > believe in the spirit of the law. > My question is this: what will the decision process be at the November > 21st meeting? Will the HCAWG exclusively decide whether to include a > potential option E, or was this working group created with an advisory > capacity only? If not, will it be a majority of the Selects who make this > decision? > Thank you to the Selects, Planning Board, and HCAWG for all your patience > and hard work! > Rebecca Blanchfield
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