Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Sara Mattes]

If only that were a rail line, there would be a great transit option to take 
from Bedford into town.

--
Sara Mattes




> On Nov 29, 2023, at 11:40 AM, Bob Kupperstein  wrote:
> 
> That rail line ran through my Arlington backyard in 1978.   Train service had 
> ended about a year earlier.
> 
> -Bob
> 
> On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 6:05 AM Sara Mattes  > wrote:
>> …and, imagine if the Minuteman Bike Path were still a rail line….
>> ———
>> Sara Mattes
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On Nov 28, 2023, at 12:57 PM, Don Seltzer >> > wrote:
>>> 
>>> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 9:49 AM Virginia Goodwin 
>>> mailto:virginiahgood...@gmail.com>> wrote:
 Regarding the issue of "we don't write discriminatory laws", I have two 
 examples off the top of my head: 
 
 1) Arlington refusing to allow the Red Line to go through is a specific 
 local example of laws passed to control (ie: restrict) all of those “inner 
 city” (ie: poor; ie: Black) T riders from besmirching the pristine 
 environs of their precious suburb.
>>> 
>>> I was a resident of Arlington at that time.  I strongly disagree with your 
>>> interpretation of  what happened in the 1970's.
>>> The proposal at that time was to extend and terminate the Red line in 
>>> Arlington Center.  It was a terrible idea because the terminus of a subway 
>>> line should have a large parking facility, a large bus station serving 
>>> feeder routes, and good access to major highways.  Unlike the Alewife site, 
>>> Arlington Center had none of these.  It would have been a traffic and 
>>> parking nightmare to terminate the Red line there.  What many Arlington 
>>> residents were demanding was an extended Red line to at least Arlington 
>>> Heights, and preferably all the way to 128.  They were open to the Red line 
>>> going through town, with one or two stations, but opposed to the line 
>>> terminating in town.
>>> 
>>> The most vocal opposition came from St Agnes Church, which would have been 
>>> heavily impacted by a terminal built next door.  There were multiple 
>>> reasons for the opposition, in which fear of increased crime was certainly 
>>> one.  It has been popularized by some authors of academic papers as the 
>>> primary reason for opposition, without any analytical data.  My perception 
>>> as a resident was that racial/crime fears were secondary.  Most residents 
>>> wanted faster, more convenient public transportation, but a Red line 
>>> terminus in Arlington had too many insurmountable problems.  That is why I 
>>> and many of my neighbors voted against it.
>>> 
>>> Don Seltzer
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org 
>>> .
>>> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
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>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>> 
>> 
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Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Bob Kupperstein]

That rail line ran through my Arlington backyard in 1978.   Train service
had ended about a year earlier.

-Bob

On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 6:05 AM Sara Mattes  wrote:

> …and, imagine if the Minuteman Bike Path were still a rail line….
> ———
> Sara Mattes
>
>
>
>
> On Nov 28, 2023, at 12:57 PM, Don Seltzer  wrote:
>
> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 9:49 AM Virginia Goodwin <
> virginiahgood...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Regarding the issue of "we don't write discriminatory laws", I have two
>> examples off the top of my head:
>>
>> 1) Arlington refusing to allow the Red Line to go through is a specific
>> local example of laws passed to control (ie: restrict) all of those “inner
>> city” (ie: poor; ie: Black) T riders from besmirching the pristine environs
>> of their precious suburb.
>>
>
> I was a resident of Arlington at that time.  I strongly disagree with your
> interpretation of  what happened in the 1970's.
> The proposal at that time was to extend and terminate the Red line in
> Arlington Center.  It was a terrible idea because the terminus of a subway
> line should have a large parking facility, a large bus station serving
> feeder routes, and good access to major highways.  Unlike the Alewife site,
> Arlington Center had none of these.  It would have been a traffic and
> parking nightmare to terminate the Red line there.  What many Arlington
> residents were demanding was an extended Red line to at least Arlington
> Heights, and preferably all the way to 128.  They were open to the Red line
> going through town, with one or two stations, but opposed to the line
> terminating in town.
>
> The most vocal opposition came from St Agnes Church, which would have been
> heavily impacted by a terminal built next door.  There were multiple
> reasons for the opposition, in which fear of increased crime was certainly
> one.  It has been popularized by some authors of academic papers as the
> primary reason for opposition, without any analytical data.  My perception
> as a resident was that racial/crime fears were secondary.  Most residents
> wanted faster, more convenient public transportation, but a Red line
> terminus in Arlington had too many insurmountable problems.  That is why I
> and many of my neighbors voted against it.
>
> Don Seltzer
>
>
> --
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
>
> --
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>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive - fee in lieu of affordable housing

[Garrick Niemiec]

Bravo david

On Tue, Nov 28, 2023, 3:39 PM David Cuetos  wrote:

> The quid pro quo deal is not just an idea, it is an active plan to incent
> a property owner (TCB) to open up their water treatment plan to enable
> another private property owner (RLF/Civico) to save itself the cost and
> space of building its own septic. Mr. Taylor has mentioned this plan twice
> during Planning Board meetings. Coincidentally, there have been three
> Select Board meetings to discuss the potential conveyance of town property.
> The Selects have refused disclosing which parcels were discussed.
> Regardless of the need for a town vote to convey this property, how can
> this plan be represented as advancing the general interest of townspeople?
>
> The RLF Chair has been very explicit in public meetings about the plan to
> reduce commercial space at the Mall. This a verbatim quote from the
> November 8th Community Forum: "We are not trying to increase the amount of
> square footage of commercial space we have at the Mall. So right now what
> we are thinking of doing would in fact on net decrease the amount of
> commercial space we have at the Mall by some amount." 1:46:59
> https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/lincoln/video/6553ef5bc9f26400089ffb98?page=HOME
>
> Lincoln Residents for Housing Alternatives is not a special-interest
> group. There is no special economic profit any of us will derive from
> Option E. As has already been discussed, one of our members is a property
> owner of a parcel that would be rezoned under every option, including E.
> The only interest we are defending is the general interest of the residents
> of Lincoln. We are just a group of residents, open to anyone in town who
> shares these concerns. In fact, many residents joined the group only
> recently and have made very substantial contributions. I am somewhat
> perplexed by the comment of us not having minutes of our meetings. We are
> not a public body or a board of directors, just a group of residents. It is
> not a relevant critique.
>
> There are certainly residents in town who work for the biggest economic
> beneficiary of the rezoning under options C-D, namely the RLF. They are of
> course entitled to sharing their opinion, but I would argue it would be
> good practice for them to share their underlying conflict of interest when
> speaking publicly on this matter.
>
> David Cuetos
>
> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 9:34 AM Sara Lupkas  wrote:
>
>> "Open meeting discussions point to a lot of possible concessions to private
>> entities (applying for grants on their behalf, in lieu fees, increasing
>> height restrictions to 48", quid pro quo exchange of land, reduction of
>> commercial space at the mall). Option E is the only one that allows all of
>> the pieces to be disclosed to residents with time to deliberate and
>> understand the various issues at play without having to vote down
>> compliance with the HCA in March."
>>
>> There is no "quid pro quo exchange of land." Any change in use of town-owned 
>> land would require 2/3 vote at a Town Meeting to approve. Just because an 
>> idea has been mentioned in meetings does not mean that there is any plan to 
>> exchange that land, which again, could not be done outside of town meeting.
>>
>> There is also no planned reduction of commercial space at the mall. RLF 
>> representatives have only tried to be realistic about the mall, which is 
>> suffering the same fate and future prospects as all in-person retail across 
>> the US. Claiming that Option E would "protect commercial retail in our 
>> Village Center" is disingenuous, and as far as I know, no one from the group 
>> who came up with Option E has met with any tenants, or RLF management, to 
>> discuss what specifically would protect retail there.
>>
>> The entire concept of open meetings, which the group who developed Option E 
>> seems so determined to parse every moment of, has been entirely lost with 
>> the creation of Option E. Letting a special-interest group, which has had 
>> secret meetings to develop these options, with no public notifications of 
>> meetings or publication of minutes, put an option up to vote has done more 
>> to damage the integrity of this process than anything else I've seen.
>>
>> ** Lastly, anyone who feels strongly about protecting the existing retail at 
>> the mall should commit to doing more shopping there, especially this holiday 
>> season.**
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> *Sara Lupkas*
>>
>> --
>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
>> Browse the archives at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>
>> --
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> .
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The Linc

Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Sara Mattes]

…and, imagine if the Minuteman Bike Path were still a rail line….
———
Sara Mattes




> On Nov 28, 2023, at 12:57 PM, Don Seltzer  wrote:
> 
> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 9:49 AM Virginia Goodwin  > wrote:
>> Regarding the issue of "we don't write discriminatory laws", I have two 
>> examples off the top of my head: 
>> 
>> 1) Arlington refusing to allow the Red Line to go through is a specific 
>> local example of laws passed to control (ie: restrict) all of those “inner 
>> city” (ie: poor; ie: Black) T riders from besmirching the pristine environs 
>> of their precious suburb.
> 
> I was a resident of Arlington at that time.  I strongly disagree with your 
> interpretation of  what happened in the 1970's.
> The proposal at that time was to extend and terminate the Red line in 
> Arlington Center.  It was a terrible idea because the terminus of a subway 
> line should have a large parking facility, a large bus station serving feeder 
> routes, and good access to major highways.  Unlike the Alewife site, 
> Arlington Center had none of these.  It would have been a traffic and parking 
> nightmare to terminate the Red line there.  What many Arlington residents 
> were demanding was an extended Red line to at least Arlington Heights, and 
> preferably all the way to 128.  They were open to the Red line going through 
> town, with one or two stations, but opposed to the line terminating in town.
> 
> The most vocal opposition came from St Agnes Church, which would have been 
> heavily impacted by a terminal built next door.  There were multiple reasons 
> for the opposition, in which fear of increased crime was certainly one.  It 
> has been popularized by some authors of academic papers as the primary reason 
> for opposition, without any analytical data.  My perception as a resident was 
> that racial/crime fears were secondary.  Most residents wanted faster, more 
> convenient public transportation, but a Red line terminus in Arlington had 
> too many insurmountable problems.  That is why I and many of my neighbors 
> voted against it.
> 
> Don Seltzer
> 
> 
> -- 
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
> Change your subscription settings at 
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
> 

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Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive - fee in lieu of affordable housing

[David Cuetos]

The quid pro quo deal is not just an idea, it is an active plan to incent a
property owner (TCB) to open up their water treatment plan to enable
another private property owner (RLF/Civico) to save itself the cost and
space of building its own septic. Mr. Taylor has mentioned this plan twice
during Planning Board meetings. Coincidentally, there have been three
Select Board meetings to discuss the potential conveyance of town property.
The Selects have refused disclosing which parcels were discussed.
Regardless of the need for a town vote to convey this property, how can
this plan be represented as advancing the general interest of townspeople?

The RLF Chair has been very explicit in public meetings about the plan to
reduce commercial space at the Mall. This a verbatim quote from the
November 8th Community Forum: "We are not trying to increase the amount of
square footage of commercial space we have at the Mall. So right now what
we are thinking of doing would in fact on net decrease the amount of
commercial space we have at the Mall by some amount." 1:46:59
https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/lincoln/video/6553ef5bc9f26400089ffb98?page=HOME

Lincoln Residents for Housing Alternatives is not a special-interest group.
There is no special economic profit any of us will derive from Option E. As
has already been discussed, one of our members is a property owner of a
parcel that would be rezoned under every option, including E. The only
interest we are defending is the general interest of the residents of
Lincoln. We are just a group of residents, open to anyone in town who
shares these concerns. In fact, many residents joined the group only
recently and have made very substantial contributions. I am somewhat
perplexed by the comment of us not having minutes of our meetings. We are
not a public body or a board of directors, just a group of residents. It is
not a relevant critique.

There are certainly residents in town who work for the biggest economic
beneficiary of the rezoning under options C-D, namely the RLF. They are of
course entitled to sharing their opinion, but I would argue it would be
good practice for them to share their underlying conflict of interest when
speaking publicly on this matter.

David Cuetos

On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 9:34 AM Sara Lupkas  wrote:

> "Open meeting discussions point to a lot of possible concessions to private
> entities (applying for grants on their behalf, in lieu fees, increasing
> height restrictions to 48", quid pro quo exchange of land, reduction of
> commercial space at the mall). Option E is the only one that allows all of
> the pieces to be disclosed to residents with time to deliberate and
> understand the various issues at play without having to vote down
> compliance with the HCA in March."
>
> There is no "quid pro quo exchange of land." Any change in use of town-owned 
> land would require 2/3 vote at a Town Meeting to approve. Just because an 
> idea has been mentioned in meetings does not mean that there is any plan to 
> exchange that land, which again, could not be done outside of town meeting.
>
> There is also no planned reduction of commercial space at the mall. RLF 
> representatives have only tried to be realistic about the mall, which is 
> suffering the same fate and future prospects as all in-person retail across 
> the US. Claiming that Option E would "protect commercial retail in our 
> Village Center" is disingenuous, and as far as I know, no one from the group 
> who came up with Option E has met with any tenants, or RLF management, to 
> discuss what specifically would protect retail there.
>
> The entire concept of open meetings, which the group who developed Option E 
> seems so determined to parse every moment of, has been entirely lost with the 
> creation of Option E. Letting a special-interest group, which has had secret 
> meetings to develop these options, with no public notifications of meetings 
> or publication of minutes, put an option up to vote has done more to damage 
> the integrity of this process than anything else I've seen.
>
> ** Lastly, anyone who feels strongly about protecting the existing retail at 
> the mall should commit to doing more shopping there, especially this holiday 
> season.**
>
>
>
> --
> *Sara Lupkas*
>
> --
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Bijoy Misra]

*What does it mean to 'maintain the character' of a town that is beyond the
reach of so many people? *
Do distributed housing.  Allow people to come, don't pack up.
Option E is created. further creativity can emerge,
We just have to think on behalf of the land.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 10:36 AM Bob Kupperstein  wrote:

> IMO, the recent Boston Globe Spotlight series did an excellent job of
> explaining how use of zoning laws and local governance have created our
> current state of economic/racial inequities, as well as the current housing
> shortage.
>
> The example towns they used did not include Lincoln, but if the arguments
> against housing/transportation development mirror those brought up here.
>
> What does it mean to 'maintain the character' of a town that is beyond the
> reach of so many people?
>
> -Bob
>
> On Mon, Nov 27, 2023 at 6:26 PM Terri via Lincoln 
> wrote:
>
>> Neighbor to neighbor... This is  sad to read.
>> Respectfully, I am not aware of  any laws passed "to control the movement
>> of people who look like you or with more Melanin"  especially by residents
>> of Lincoln.  I always  welcome educating myself  on State laws as I will be
>> the first to admit... I did NOT attend law school.
>>  With regards to the 2 acre zoning perhaps you should invite the
>> planning board to give us all a historical perspective of the  zoning of
>> Lincoln.  Hopefully, they can enlighten us all so we can remind each other
>> that we are ALL  on the same side.
>>
>> Warmly,
>> Terri Kafina
>> Giles
>>
>> On Monday, November 27, 2023 at 10:15:54 AM EST, DJCP 
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> It is ridiculous to keep relying on past laurels as if Lincoln is some
>> sort of beacon of affordable housing.  Look around.  It is not.  It is not
>> diverse, and certainly not as diverse as it could be if 2-acre zoning was
>> not instituted.  I am frequently in all-white spaces.  When residents say
>> they want to "control" development - well, that smacks to me as
>> exclusionary.  Many laws have been passed to control the rights and
>> movement of people who look like me - not to mention those with much more
>> melanin.  Regardless of the wholesome intent of those who instituted the
>> zoning in the first place, the effect it has had is to keep generational
>> wealth (i.e., home ownership) mostly with white people.  At the very least
>> acknowledge the disparate effect of this type of zoning, even if you insist
>> on keeping the founders on a pedestal.
>>
>> Diana
>> Giles Rd
>>
>> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 11:32 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:
>>
>> It is interesting and disappointing to read this.
>> Lincoln stood out for creating affordable housing/ mixed income housing
>> long before others.
>> Lincoln Woods, a cooperative mixed income development led the way in the
>> 1970s.
>>
>> Development of new types of multi- family housing, rental and
>> home-ownership, have continued.
>> Today, 40% of our housing units are multi-family, and 13% of all housing
>> is state- certified “affordable.”
>> So, I am not sure what data this report relies on.
>>
>> Certainly, most of our single family homes prices have made us
>> discriminatory… by income.
>> It would be great to come up with a program to address that.
>> But the HCA is not such a program.
>> In fact, HCA rezoning creates further economic discrimination by capping
>> affordability and promoting 90% of all units as “ market rate” and often
>> luxury.
>> This would undercut Lincoln’s history of inclusionary zoning, requiring
>> all developments offer a minimum of 15% affordable units.
>>
>> To me, that makes HCA zoning discriminatory, by Lincoln standards.
>>
>> So much for AI!
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Nov 26, 2023, at 10:09 PM, Ray Shepard 
>> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> *From the perspective of ChatGPT...*.
>>
>> *What towns in Massachusetts are known for exclusionary zoning?*
>>
>> *ChatGPT*
>> Several towns in Massachusetts have been identified for their practices
>> of exclusionary zoning. These towns often use zoning laws to limit the
>> development of affordable housing, resulting in a lack of diversity in
>> housing types and prices. Some notable examples include:
>> Weston: Known for its large lot zoning, which requires a significant
>> amount of land per housing unit, making it difficult for smaller, more
>> affordable homes to be built.
>> Dover: Similar to Weston, Dover also employs large lot zoning, which
>> effectively limits the availability of affordable housing options.
>> * Lincoln: This town is known for its strict zoning regulations that
>> limit the types and densities of allowable housing, often pricing out
>> lower-income families.*
>> Wellesley: Wellesley has been cited for using zoning laws to restrict the
>> development of multi-family housing, which tends to be more affordable.
>> Lexington: Known for its high property values and zoning practices that
>> favor single-family homes, limiting more affordable housing options.
>> *Th

Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Don Seltzer]

On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 9:49 AM Virginia Goodwin 
wrote:

> Regarding the issue of "we don't write discriminatory laws", I have two
> examples off the top of my head:
>
> 1) Arlington refusing to allow the Red Line to go through is a specific
> local example of laws passed to control (ie: restrict) all of those “inner
> city” (ie: poor; ie: Black) T riders from besmirching the pristine environs
> of their precious suburb.
>

I was a resident of Arlington at that time.  I strongly disagree with your
interpretation of  what happened in the 1970's.
The proposal at that time was to extend and terminate the Red line in
Arlington Center.  It was a terrible idea because the terminus of a subway
line should have a large parking facility, a large bus station serving
feeder routes, and good access to major highways.  Unlike the Alewife site,
Arlington Center had none of these.  It would have been a traffic and
parking nightmare to terminate the Red line there.  What many Arlington
residents were demanding was an extended Red line to at least Arlington
Heights, and preferably all the way to 128.  They were open to the Red line
going through town, with one or two stations, but opposed to the line
terminating in town.

The most vocal opposition came from St Agnes Church, which would have been
heavily impacted by a terminal built next door.  There were multiple
reasons for the opposition, in which fear of increased crime was certainly
one.  It has been popularized by some authors of academic papers as the
primary reason for opposition, without any analytical data.  My perception
as a resident was that racial/crime fears were secondary.  Most residents
wanted faster, more convenient public transportation, but a Red line
terminus in Arlington had too many insurmountable problems.  That is why I
and many of my neighbors voted against it.

Don Seltzer
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Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive - fee in lieu of affordable housing

[Louis Zipes]

Let’s also remind our residents of other things in Option E outside of
decoupling the mall from HCA.

1) Concentrates more than 50% of compliance parcels at Battle Road Farm
which is essentially a non starter in terms of future Development. So zero
new units there now and in the future. That is the spirit!

Option C doesn’t make such a cynical deal in the first place by avoiding
that area all together knowing that it is already under pressure from the
airport and the environmental challenges that come along with that
location.

2) Has been generated by a private group with no visibility into partners
that they are working with.

As to the earlier comment about the Developer behind the Commons finding
this such an appealing place to build, let’s remember their justification
for wanting to build in their own words:

*While the Commons currently operates profitably, the expansion will
provide further economies of scale by spreading operating costs over a
greater number of units, which should ultimately serve to increase the
financial stability of the community,”*

It is almost like more units in Lincoln might also help us spread the costs
of town services in the same way.


On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, Karla Gravis  wrote:

> "If the Town continues to make development unattractive to developers" -
> makes the assumption that we have been unattractive to developers. Civico
> is actively looking to work with us again, and their input is being
> considered for our zoning bylaws. Like many others have posted, we have the
> highest percentage of multi-family housing in the area. Oriole Landing was
> opened as recently as 2020. The Commons is looking to expand. That does not
> paint a situation of us being unattractive.
>
> The RLF has said that they will submit a plan to redevelop the mall in
> March, either as part of the winning HCA option or outside of it, so it is
> a valid assumption that development of the mall will happen regardless. The
> issue I see is that bundling the Mall with HCA compliance  muddies the
> water on the topics being voted on. We are being asked to vote on something
> this coming Sunday without understanding all the implications. Let's
> remember that the mall acreage doesn't even count for compliance.
>
> Open meeting discussions point to a lot of possible concessions to private
> entities (applying for grants on their behalf, in lieu fees, increasing
> height restrictions to 48", quid pro quo exchange of land, reduction of
> commercial space at the mall). Option E is the only one that allows all of
> the pieces to be disclosed to residents with time to deliberate and
> understand the various issues at play without having to vote down
> compliance with the HCA in March.
>
>
>
> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 5:47 AM Andy Wang  wrote:
>
>>
>> Or...the town just doesn't include that clause from the *DRAFT* bylaw.
>>
>> Or...the fees are significant enough to provide suitable funds to the
>> Affordable Housing Trust to support development elsewhere.
>>
>> Or...we understand that changes to bylaws still have to be approved at
>> Town Meeting
>>
>> Though the inclusion of 'in lieu of' fees is still a hotly debated topic
>> in general, I would contend that it's the structure of those fees that are
>> more important than the inclusion of them.
>>
>> When drawing the conclusion that "Option E would actually be the only
>> way to ensure that affordable housing will be built at the Mall", the
>> assumption is being made that development in the Mall would happen
>> regardless of zoning changes. If the Town continues to make development
>> unattractive to developers, I would argue that 15% (or 25% or whatever) of
>> 0 development, is still 0 development of ANY type of housing, affordable or
>> otherwise.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 5:30 AM Karla Gravis 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> The planning board bylaws draft contemplates allowing the developer to
>>> pay a fee in lieu of building any affordable units.
>>>
>>> Therefore, Option E would actually be the only way to ensure that
>>> affordable housing will be built at the Mall.
>>>
>>> Please see below for screenshot of draft bylaws shared by the PB last
>>> week, which showcase this fee in lieu of affordable housing.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> -- Forwarded message -
>>>> From: Louis Zipes 
>>>> Date: Mon, Nov 27, 2023 at 18:59
>>>> Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive
>>>> To: David Cuetos 
>>>> CC: Sara Mattes , Lincoln Tal

Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Bob Kupperstein]

IMO, the recent Boston Globe Spotlight series did an excellent job of
explaining how use of zoning laws and local governance have created our
current state of economic/racial inequities, as well as the current housing
shortage.

The example towns they used did not include Lincoln, but if the arguments
against housing/transportation development mirror those brought up here.

What does it mean to 'maintain the character' of a town that is beyond the
reach of so many people?

-Bob

On Mon, Nov 27, 2023 at 6:26 PM Terri via Lincoln 
wrote:

> Neighbor to neighbor... This is  sad to read.
> Respectfully, I am not aware of  any laws passed "to control the movement
> of people who look like you or with more Melanin"  especially by residents
> of Lincoln.  I always  welcome educating myself  on State laws as I will be
> the first to admit... I did NOT attend law school.
>  With regards to the 2 acre zoning perhaps you should invite the
> planning board to give us all a historical perspective of the  zoning of
> Lincoln.  Hopefully, they can enlighten us all so we can remind each other
> that we are ALL  on the same side.
>
> Warmly,
> Terri Kafina
> Giles
>
> On Monday, November 27, 2023 at 10:15:54 AM EST, DJCP 
> wrote:
>
>
> It is ridiculous to keep relying on past laurels as if Lincoln is some
> sort of beacon of affordable housing.  Look around.  It is not.  It is not
> diverse, and certainly not as diverse as it could be if 2-acre zoning was
> not instituted.  I am frequently in all-white spaces.  When residents say
> they want to "control" development - well, that smacks to me as
> exclusionary.  Many laws have been passed to control the rights and
> movement of people who look like me - not to mention those with much more
> melanin.  Regardless of the wholesome intent of those who instituted the
> zoning in the first place, the effect it has had is to keep generational
> wealth (i.e., home ownership) mostly with white people.  At the very least
> acknowledge the disparate effect of this type of zoning, even if you insist
> on keeping the founders on a pedestal.
>
> Diana
> Giles Rd
>
> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 11:32 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:
>
> It is interesting and disappointing to read this.
> Lincoln stood out for creating affordable housing/ mixed income housing
> long before others.
> Lincoln Woods, a cooperative mixed income development led the way in the
> 1970s.
>
> Development of new types of multi- family housing, rental and
> home-ownership, have continued.
> Today, 40% of our housing units are multi-family, and 13% of all housing
> is state- certified “affordable.”
> So, I am not sure what data this report relies on.
>
> Certainly, most of our single family homes prices have made us
> discriminatory… by income.
> It would be great to come up with a program to address that.
> But the HCA is not such a program.
> In fact, HCA rezoning creates further economic discrimination by capping
> affordability and promoting 90% of all units as “ market rate” and often
> luxury.
> This would undercut Lincoln’s history of inclusionary zoning, requiring
> all developments offer a minimum of 15% affordable units.
>
> To me, that makes HCA zoning discriminatory, by Lincoln standards.
>
> So much for AI!
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 26, 2023, at 10:09 PM, Ray Shepard 
> wrote:
>
> 
> *From the perspective of ChatGPT...*.
>
> *What towns in Massachusetts are known for exclusionary zoning?*
>
> *ChatGPT*
> Several towns in Massachusetts have been identified for their practices of
> exclusionary zoning. These towns often use zoning laws to limit the
> development of affordable housing, resulting in a lack of diversity in
> housing types and prices. Some notable examples include:
> Weston: Known for its large lot zoning, which requires a significant
> amount of land per housing unit, making it difficult for smaller, more
> affordable homes to be built.
> Dover: Similar to Weston, Dover also employs large lot zoning, which
> effectively limits the availability of affordable housing options.
> * Lincoln: This town is known for its strict zoning regulations that limit
> the types and densities of allowable housing, often pricing out
> lower-income families.*
> Wellesley: Wellesley has been cited for using zoning laws to restrict the
> development of multi-family housing, which tends to be more affordable.
> Lexington: Known for its high property values and zoning practices that
> favor single-family homes, limiting more affordable housing options.
> *These towns, among others in Massachusetts, often use zoning as a tool to
> maintain a certain demographic and economic status quo, leading to
> criticism regarding social equity and inclusiveness.*
>
>
> On Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 09:28:56 PM EST, Sara Mattes <
> samat...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> It had absolutely NOTHING to do with preventing “undesirable” people
> moving in.
> It had to do with land preservation and conservation and concern over the
> inab

Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Virginia Goodwin]

Regarding the issue of "we don't write discriminatory laws", I have two
examples off the top of my head:

1) Arlington refusing to allow the Red Line to go through is a specific
local example of laws passed to control (ie: restrict) all of those “inner
city” (ie: poor; ie: Black) T riders from besmirching the pristine environs
of their precious suburb.

2) The total nonexistence of either town buses or bike lanes in Lincoln is
another specific example of laws that restrict non-car owners’ ability to
move around Lincoln. And guess which demographic groups in the US are
poorer, and less likely to own a car? Hint: it correlates pretty strongly
with melanin, go figure. For example, I, here in North Lincoln, have ZERO
public transit options a reasonable walking distance from my house, and
both Bedford Rd. and Rt. 2A are a sick joke in terms of safety for
bicyclists. I HAVE to drive in order not to risk life and limb. You can
also read my response to a different thread on LT on the poor quality of
the 76 bus in terms of actual transportation utility.

I could probably come up with more examples if I wanted to take the time,
these are just the obvious ones that I can pull off the top of my head.
This isn't the South during Jim Crow, we don't write laws that literally
say, "Colored people can't do XYZ"... we're much more subtle with our
racism. We write laws that make it difficult to impossible for poor people
to exist, and then we also write laws that disproportionately target people
of color and create ongoing poverty in colored communities. It's the ol'
racist two-step. You can google search for anti-racism reading lists and
educate yourself on these issues, there are a lot of good books and
articles, very accessible to the general public.

Virginia Goodwin



On Mon, Nov 27, 2023 at 6:27 PM Terri via Lincoln 
wrote:

> Neighbor to neighbor... This is  sad to read.
> Respectfully, I am not aware of  any laws passed "to control the movement
> of people who look like you or with more Melanin"  especially by residents
> of Lincoln.  I always  welcome educating myself  on State laws as I will be
> the first to admit... I did NOT attend law school.
>  With regards to the 2 acre zoning perhaps you should invite the
> planning board to give us all a historical perspective of the  zoning of
> Lincoln.  Hopefully, they can enlighten us all so we can remind each other
> that we are ALL  on the same side.
>
> Warmly,
> Terri Kafina
> Giles
>
> On Monday, November 27, 2023 at 10:15:54 AM EST, DJCP 
> wrote:
>
>
> It is ridiculous to keep relying on past laurels as if Lincoln is some
> sort of beacon of affordable housing.  Look around.  It is not.  It is not
> diverse, and certainly not as diverse as it could be if 2-acre zoning was
> not instituted.  I am frequently in all-white spaces.  When residents say
> they want to "control" development - well, that smacks to me as
> exclusionary.  Many laws have been passed to control the rights and
> movement of people who look like me - not to mention those with much more
> melanin.  Regardless of the wholesome intent of those who instituted the
> zoning in the first place, the effect it has had is to keep generational
> wealth (i.e., home ownership) mostly with white people.  At the very least
> acknowledge the disparate effect of this type of zoning, even if you insist
> on keeping the founders on a pedestal.
>
> Diana
> Giles Rd
>
> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 11:32 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:
>
> It is interesting and disappointing to read this.
> Lincoln stood out for creating affordable housing/ mixed income housing
> long before others.
> Lincoln Woods, a cooperative mixed income development led the way in the
> 1970s.
>
> Development of new types of multi- family housing, rental and
> home-ownership, have continued.
> Today, 40% of our housing units are multi-family, and 13% of all housing
> is state- certified “affordable.”
> So, I am not sure what data this report relies on.
>
> Certainly, most of our single family homes prices have made us
> discriminatory… by income.
> It would be great to come up with a program to address that.
> But the HCA is not such a program.
> In fact, HCA rezoning creates further economic discrimination by capping
> affordability and promoting 90% of all units as “ market rate” and often
> luxury.
> This would undercut Lincoln’s history of inclusionary zoning, requiring
> all developments offer a minimum of 15% affordable units.
>
> To me, that makes HCA zoning discriminatory, by Lincoln standards.
>
> So much for AI!
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 26, 2023, at 10:09 PM, Ray Shepard 
> wrote:
>
> 
> *From the perspective of ChatGPT...*.
>
> *What towns in Massachusetts are known for exclusionary zoning?*
>
> *ChatGPT*
> Several towns in Massachusetts have been identified for their practices of
> exclusionary zoning. These towns often use zoning laws to limit the
> development of affordable housing, resulting in a lack of diversity in
> housi

Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive - fee in lieu of affordable housing

[Sara Lupkas]

"Open meeting discussions point to a lot of possible concessions to private
entities (applying for grants on their behalf, in lieu fees, increasing
height restrictions to 48", quid pro quo exchange of land, reduction of
commercial space at the mall). Option E is the only one that allows all of
the pieces to be disclosed to residents with time to deliberate and
understand the various issues at play without having to vote down
compliance with the HCA in March."

There is no "quid pro quo exchange of land." Any change in use of
town-owned land would require 2/3 vote at a Town Meeting to approve.
Just because an idea has been mentioned in meetings does not mean that
there is any plan to exchange that land, which again, could not be
done outside of town meeting.

There is also no planned reduction of commercial space at the mall.
RLF representatives have only tried to be realistic about the mall,
which is suffering the same fate and future prospects as all in-person
retail across the US. Claiming that Option E would "protect commercial
retail in our Village Center" is disingenuous, and as far as I know,
no one from the group who came up with Option E has met with any
tenants, or RLF management, to discuss what specifically would protect
retail there.

The entire concept of open meetings, which the group who developed
Option E seems so determined to parse every moment of, has been
entirely lost with the creation of Option E. Letting a
special-interest group, which has had secret meetings to develop these
options, with no public notifications of meetings or publication of
minutes, put an option up to vote has done more to damage the
integrity of this process than anything else I've seen.

** Lastly, anyone who feels strongly about protecting the existing
retail at the mall should commit to doing more shopping there,
especially this holiday season.**



-- 
*Sara Lupkas*
-- 
The LincolnTalk mailing list.
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Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Garrick Niemiec]

I think what Sara is suggesting is that to make the right HCA choices on
12/2 a 3 dimensional stacking diagram for each option is necessary.1

On Sun, Nov 26, 2023, 12:20 PM Louis Zipes  wrote:

> And our emergency services are quite familiar with our part of 117 since
> there are so many accidents due to our bucolic scenery and other historical
> roadways.
>
> I especially find it fascinating that Lincoln was the first town in
> Massachusetts to adopt two acre housing. So much history to be proud of!
>
> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 12:01 PM Ken Hurd  wrote:
>
>> Sara,
>>
>> Your comment is very misleading.
>>
>> Cold Brook Crossing is not at all what one might see in Lincoln Station
>> because of the controls that the Planning Board would have over any complex
>> with the Site Plan Review section of Lincoln’s Zoning Bylaws that are
>> already in place.
>>
>> Cold Brook Crossing is an example of Chapter 40B housing in which
>> developers are allowed to bypass zoning when the SHI (Subsidized Housing
>> Inventory) is under 10%.  These are two different animals.
>>
>> I’m sorry you felt you needed to resort to such a scare tactic in this
>> discussion.
>>
>> Ken Hurd
>>
>> Lifting the Human Spirit by Design
>> 781-259-3300
>> 781-259-8900 cell
>> www.keha.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Nov 26, 2023, at 11:27 AM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
>>
>> 117 offers a lovely drive from Lincoln to Leominster, and a history
>> lesson as you see the landscape and the towns change as you head west.
>>
>> Nearby, is a starling lesson.
>>
>> Just past Nine Acre Corner in Concord, and over the Sudbury line, on your
>> right as you head west, you will see Cold Brook Crossing.
>> It is a new housing development, many units completed and more under
>> construction.
>> It is a model for what we might see on Lincoln, esp. at the mall.
>>
>> Take a drive and see.
>> Is that what we want?
>> You be the judge.
>>
>> --
>> Sara Mattes
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
>> Browse the archives at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>
>>
>> --
>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
>> Browse the archives at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>
>> --
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
>
-- 
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To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
Change your subscription settings at 
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Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Garrick Niemiec]

Brava!
On Sun, Nov 26, 2023, 7:55 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:

> Two acre zoning was to protect wetlands and open space and encourage land
> conservation.
> It bought time to allow for creative planning and development efforts.
> I recommend reading *A Rich Harvest *to better understand the arc of our
> history and the role land protection has played.
> Also, Bob Lemire’s book, *Creative Land Development *has been leading
> light not just in Lincoln, but nationally.
>
> There is such to be proud of and to be thankful for- for the wisdom of
> those who did big picture thinking in the past, and made wise investments
> to ensure most of the plans were realized.
> The environment thanks us for the tree cover and the carbon sink our land
> provides.
> The environment thanks us for wetlands protection.
> Folks in our forward-thinking affordable housing developments thank us.
> Seniors who now have multiple housing choices for down-sizing thank us.
> Those seeking respite from the city to walk our trails and fields thank us.
>
>
> We need to build on that-move forward, and add to it-esp. with more
> housing choices,-but to do it in cautious, thoughtful and deliberate ways.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Sara Mattes
>
>
>
>
> On Nov 26, 2023, at 12:18 PM, Louis Zipes  wrote:
>
> And our emergency services are quite familiar with our part of 117 since
> there are so many accidents due to our bucolic scenery and other historical
> roadways.
>
> I especially find it fascinating that Lincoln was the first town in
> Massachusetts to adopt two acre housing. So much history to be proud of!
>
> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 12:01 PM Ken Hurd  wrote:
>
>> Sara,
>>
>> Your comment is very misleading.
>>
>> Cold Brook Crossing is not at all what one might see in Lincoln Station
>> because of the controls that the Planning Board would have over any complex
>> with the Site Plan Review section of Lincoln’s Zoning Bylaws that are
>> already in place.
>>
>> Cold Brook Crossing is an example of Chapter 40B housing in which
>> developers are allowed to bypass zoning when the SHI (Subsidized Housing
>> Inventory) is under 10%.  These are two different animals.
>>
>> I’m sorry you felt you needed to resort to such a scare tactic in this
>> discussion.
>>
>> Ken Hurd
>>
>> Lifting the Human Spirit by Design
>> 781-259-3300
>> 781-259-8900 cell
>> www.keha.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Nov 26, 2023, at 11:27 AM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
>>
>> 117 offers a lovely drive from Lincoln to Leominster, and a history
>> lesson as you see the landscape and the towns change as you head west.
>>
>> Nearby, is a starling lesson.
>>
>> Just past Nine Acre Corner in Concord, and over the Sudbury line, on your
>> right as you head west, you will see Cold Brook Crossing.
>> It is a new housing development, many units completed and more under
>> construction.
>> It is a model for what we might see on Lincoln, esp. at the mall.
>>
>> Take a drive and see.
>> Is that what we want?
>> You be the judge.
>>
>> --
>> Sara Mattes
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
>> Browse the archives at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>
>>
>> --
>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
>> Browse the archives at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>
>>
> --
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
>
-- 
The LincolnTalk mailing list.
To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
Change your subscription settings at 
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Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Garrick Niemiec]

Couldn't agree more...thanks for your cogent response.

On Sun, Nov 26, 2023, 11:32 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:

> It is interesting and disappointing to read this.
> Lincoln stood out for creating affordable housing/ mixed income housing
> long before others.
> Lincoln Woods, a cooperative mixed income development led the way in the
> 1970s.
>
> Development of new types of multi- family housing, rental and
> home-ownership, have continued.
> Today, 40% of our housing units are multi-family, and 13% of all housing
> is state- certified “affordable.”
> So, I am not sure what data this report relies on.
>
> Certainly, most of our single family homes prices have made us
> discriminatory… by income.
> It would be great to come up with a program to address that.
> But the HCA is not such a program.
> In fact, HCA rezoning creates further economic discrimination by capping
> affordability and promoting 90% of all units as “ market rate” and often
> luxury.
> This would undercut Lincoln’s history of inclusionary zoning, requiring
> all developments offer a minimum of 15% affordable units.
>
> To me, that makes HCA zoning discriminatory, by Lincoln standards.
>
> So much for AI!
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 26, 2023, at 10:09 PM, Ray Shepard 
> wrote:
>
> 
> *From the perspective of ChatGPT...*.
>
> *What towns in Massachusetts are known for exclusionary zoning?*
>
> *ChatGPT*
> Several towns in Massachusetts have been identified for their practices of
> exclusionary zoning. These towns often use zoning laws to limit the
> development of affordable housing, resulting in a lack of diversity in
> housing types and prices. Some notable examples include:
> Weston: Known for its large lot zoning, which requires a significant
> amount of land per housing unit, making it difficult for smaller, more
> affordable homes to be built.
> Dover: Similar to Weston, Dover also employs large lot zoning, which
> effectively limits the availability of affordable housing options.
> * Lincoln: This town is known for its strict zoning regulations that limit
> the types and densities of allowable housing, often pricing out
> lower-income families.*
> Wellesley: Wellesley has been cited for using zoning laws to restrict the
> development of multi-family housing, which tends to be more affordable.
> Lexington: Known for its high property values and zoning practices that
> favor single-family homes, limiting more affordable housing options.
> *These towns, among others in Massachusetts, often use zoning as a tool to
> maintain a certain demographic and economic status quo, leading to
> criticism regarding social equity and inclusiveness.*
>
>
> On Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 09:28:56 PM EST, Sara Mattes <
> samat...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> It had absolutely NOTHING to do with preventing “undesirable” people
> moving in.
> It had to do with land preservation and conservation and concern over the
> inability of the town finances to support a rapid growth in population.
> We had no commercial base, except a few small business along Rt.2A and 117.
>
> Racial and ethnic (antisemitism) was an issue a bit later-it was near
> impossible to buy a house in Lincoln if you were Black or Jewish.
> Story goes that a seller was present at the tour and always expressed
> interest in who would be the buyer.
> If a Jew managed to get a showing, the seller would take their time and
> then turn down the offer.
> If you were black, it was next to impossible to get a showing.
> I moved here in 1976, and told that was the case, even then.
>
> It had nothing to do with zoning.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Sara Mattes
>
>
>
>
> On Nov 26, 2023, at 8:36 PM, DJCP  wrote:
>
> Two acre zoning was meant as a means of "control" (a word currently
> bandied about without any shame) after WWII housing booms to prevent too
> much housing being built and "undesirable" people moving in. Anyone who has
> given an ounce of attention to the anti racism reckoning we are currently
> going thru shouldn't have a problem seeing through any other rationale
> given for such zoning.
>
> Diana
> Giles Rd
>
> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023, 7:55 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:
>
> Two acre zoning was to protect wetlands and open space and encourage land
> conservation.
> It bought time to allow for creative planning and development efforts.
> I recommend reading *A Rich Harvest *to better understand the arc of our
> history and the role land protection has played.
> Also, Bob Lemire’s book, *Creative Land Development *has been leading
> light not just in Lincoln, but nationally.
>
> There is such to be proud of and to be thankful for- for the wisdom of
> those who did big picture thinking in the past, and made wise investments
> to ensure most of the plans were realized.
> The environment thanks us for the tree cover and the carbon sink our land
> provides.
> The environment thanks us for wetlands protection.
> Folks in our forward-thinking affordable housing developments thank us.
> Seniors who now have m

Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Terri via Lincoln]

 Neighbor to neighbor... This is  sad to read. Respectfully, I am not aware of  
any laws passed "to control the movement of people who look like you or with 
more Melanin"  especially by residents of Lincoln.  I always  welcome educating 
myself  on State laws as I will be the first to admit... I did NOT attend law 
school.  With regards to the 2 acre zoning perhaps you should invite the 
planning board to give us all a historical perspective of the  zoning of 
Lincoln.  Hopefully, they can enlighten us all so we can remind each other that 
we are ALL  on the same side. 
Warmly,Terri KafinaGiles 
On Monday, November 27, 2023 at 10:15:54 AM EST, DJCP  
wrote:  
 
 It is ridiculous to keep relying on past laurels as if Lincoln is some sort of 
beacon of affordable housing.  Look around.  It is not.  It is not diverse, and 
certainly not as diverse as it could be if 2-acre zoning was not instituted.  I 
am frequently in all-white spaces.  When residents say they want to "control" 
development - well, that smacks to me as exclusionary.  Many laws have been 
passed to control the rights and movement of people who look like me - not to 
mention those with much more melanin.  Regardless of the wholesome intent of 
those who instituted the zoning in the first place, the effect it has had is to 
keep generational wealth (i.e., home ownership) mostly with white people.  At 
the very least acknowledge the disparate effect of this type of zoning, even if 
you insist on keeping the founders on a pedestal. 

Diana 
Giles Rd 

On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 11:32 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:

It is interesting and disappointing to read this.Lincoln stood out for creating 
affordable housing/ mixed income housing long before others.  Lincoln Woods, a 
cooperative mixed income development led the way in the 1970s.
Development of new types of multi- family housing, rental and home-ownership, 
have continued.Today, 40% of our housing units are multi-family, and 13% of all 
housing is state- certified “affordable.”So, I am not sure what data this 
report relies on.
Certainly, most of our single family homes prices have made us discriminatory… 
by income.It would be great to come up with a program to address that.But the 
HCA is not such a program.In fact, HCA rezoning creates further economic 
discrimination by capping affordability and promoting 90% of all units as “ 
market rate” and often luxury.This would undercut Lincoln’s history of 
inclusionary zoning, requiring all developments offer a minimum of 15% 
affordable units.
To me, that makes HCA zoning discriminatory, by Lincoln standards.
So much for AI!

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 26, 2023, at 10:09 PM, Ray Shepard  wrote:



 From the perspective of ChatGPT
What towns in Massachusetts are known for exclusionary zoning?
ChatGPTSeveral towns in Massachusetts have been identified for their practices 
of exclusionary zoning. These towns often use zoning laws to limit the 
development of affordable housing, resulting in a lack of diversity in housing 
types and prices. Some notable examples include: Weston: Known for its large 
lot zoning, which requires a significant amount of land per housing unit, 
making it difficult for smaller, more affordable homes to be built. Dover: 
Similar to Weston, Dover also employs large lot zoning, which effectively 
limits the availability of affordable housing options. Lincoln: This town is 
known for its strict zoning regulations that limit the types and densities of 
allowable housing, often pricing out lower-income families. Wellesley: 
Wellesley has been cited for using zoning laws to restrict the development of 
multi-family housing, which tends to be more affordable. Lexington: Known for 
its high property values and zoning practices that favor single-family homes, 
limiting more affordable housing options.These towns, among others in 
Massachusetts, often use zoning as a tool to maintain a certain demographic and 
economic status quo, leading to criticism regarding social equity and 
inclusiveness.

On Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 09:28:56 PM EST, Sara Mattes 
 wrote:  
 
 It had absolutely NOTHING to do with preventing “undesirable” people moving 
in.It had to do with land preservation and conservation and concern over the 
inability of the town finances to support a rapid growth in population.We had 
no commercial base, except a few small business along Rt.2A and 117.
Racial and ethnic (antisemitism) was an issue a bit later-it was near 
impossible to buy a house in Lincoln if you were Black or Jewish.Story goes 
that a seller was present at the tour and always expressed interest in who 
would be the buyer.If a Jew managed to get a showing, the seller would take 
their time and then turn down the offer.If you were black, it was next to 
impossible to get a showing.I moved here in 1976, and told that was the case, 
even then.
It had nothing to do with zoning.






--
Sara Mattes





On Nov 26, 2023, at 8:36 PM, DJCP  wr

Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[DJCP]

It is ridiculous to keep relying on past laurels as if Lincoln is some sort
of beacon of affordable housing.  Look around.  It is not.  It is not
diverse, and certainly not as diverse as it could be if 2-acre zoning was
not instituted.  I am frequently in all-white spaces.  When residents say
they want to "control" development - well, that smacks to me as
exclusionary.  Many laws have been passed to control the rights and
movement of people who look like me - not to mention those with much more
melanin.  Regardless of the wholesome intent of those who instituted the
zoning in the first place, the effect it has had is to keep generational
wealth (i.e., home ownership) mostly with white people.  At the very least
acknowledge the disparate effect of this type of zoning, even if you insist
on keeping the founders on a pedestal.

Diana
Giles Rd

On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 11:32 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:

> It is interesting and disappointing to read this.
> Lincoln stood out for creating affordable housing/ mixed income housing
> long before others.
> Lincoln Woods, a cooperative mixed income development led the way in the
> 1970s.
>
> Development of new types of multi- family housing, rental and
> home-ownership, have continued.
> Today, 40% of our housing units are multi-family, and 13% of all housing
> is state- certified “affordable.”
> So, I am not sure what data this report relies on.
>
> Certainly, most of our single family homes prices have made us
> discriminatory… by income.
> It would be great to come up with a program to address that.
> But the HCA is not such a program.
> In fact, HCA rezoning creates further economic discrimination by capping
> affordability and promoting 90% of all units as “ market rate” and often
> luxury.
> This would undercut Lincoln’s history of inclusionary zoning, requiring
> all developments offer a minimum of 15% affordable units.
>
> To me, that makes HCA zoning discriminatory, by Lincoln standards.
>
> So much for AI!
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 26, 2023, at 10:09 PM, Ray Shepard 
> wrote:
>
> 
> *From the perspective of ChatGPT...*.
>
> *What towns in Massachusetts are known for exclusionary zoning?*
>
> *ChatGPT*
> Several towns in Massachusetts have been identified for their practices of
> exclusionary zoning. These towns often use zoning laws to limit the
> development of affordable housing, resulting in a lack of diversity in
> housing types and prices. Some notable examples include:
> Weston: Known for its large lot zoning, which requires a significant
> amount of land per housing unit, making it difficult for smaller, more
> affordable homes to be built.
> Dover: Similar to Weston, Dover also employs large lot zoning, which
> effectively limits the availability of affordable housing options.
> * Lincoln: This town is known for its strict zoning regulations that limit
> the types and densities of allowable housing, often pricing out
> lower-income families.*
> Wellesley: Wellesley has been cited for using zoning laws to restrict the
> development of multi-family housing, which tends to be more affordable.
> Lexington: Known for its high property values and zoning practices that
> favor single-family homes, limiting more affordable housing options.
> *These towns, among others in Massachusetts, often use zoning as a tool to
> maintain a certain demographic and economic status quo, leading to
> criticism regarding social equity and inclusiveness.*
>
>
> On Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 09:28:56 PM EST, Sara Mattes <
> samat...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> It had absolutely NOTHING to do with preventing “undesirable” people
> moving in.
> It had to do with land preservation and conservation and concern over the
> inability of the town finances to support a rapid growth in population.
> We had no commercial base, except a few small business along Rt.2A and 117.
>
> Racial and ethnic (antisemitism) was an issue a bit later-it was near
> impossible to buy a house in Lincoln if you were Black or Jewish.
> Story goes that a seller was present at the tour and always expressed
> interest in who would be the buyer.
> If a Jew managed to get a showing, the seller would take their time and
> then turn down the offer.
> If you were black, it was next to impossible to get a showing.
> I moved here in 1976, and told that was the case, even then.
>
> It had nothing to do with zoning.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Sara Mattes
>
>
>
>
> On Nov 26, 2023, at 8:36 PM, DJCP  wrote:
>
> Two acre zoning was meant as a means of "control" (a word currently
> bandied about without any shame) after WWII housing booms to prevent too
> much housing being built and "undesirable" people moving in. Anyone who has
> given an ounce of attention to the anti racism reckoning we are currently
> going thru shouldn't have a problem seeing through any other rationale
> given for such zoning.
>
> Diana
> Giles Rd
>
> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023, 7:55 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:
>
> Two acre zoning was to protect wetlands an

Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Sara Mattes]

It is interesting and disappointing to read this.Lincoln stood out for creating affordable housing/ mixed income housing long before others.  Lincoln Woods, a cooperative mixed income development led the way in the 1970s.Development of new types of multi- family housing, rental and home-ownership, have continued.Today, 40% of our housing units are multi-family, and 13% of all housing is state- certified “affordable.”So, I am not sure what data this report relies on.Certainly, most of our single family homes prices have made us discriminatory… by income.It would be great to come up with a program to address that.But the HCA is not such a program.In fact, HCA rezoning creates further economic discrimination by capping affordability and promoting 90% of all units as “ market rate” and often luxury.This would undercut Lincoln’s history of inclusionary zoning, requiring all developments offer a minimum of 15% affordable units.To me, that makes HCA zoning discriminatory, by Lincoln standards.So much for AI!Sent from my iPhoneOn Nov 26, 2023, at 10:09 PM, Ray Shepard  wrote:
From the perspective of ChatGPTWhat towns in Massachusetts are known for exclusionary zoning?ChatGPTSeveral towns in Massachusetts have been identified for their practices of exclusionary zoning. These towns often use zoning laws to limit the development of affordable housing, resulting in a lack of diversity in housing types and prices. Some notable examples include:		Weston: Known for its large lot zoning, which requires a significant amount of land per housing unit, making it difficult for smaller, more affordable homes to be built.		Dover: Similar to Weston, Dover also employs large lot zoning, which effectively limits the availability of affordable housing options.		Lincoln: This town is known for its strict zoning regulations that limit the types and densities of allowable housing, often pricing out lower-income families.		Wellesley: Wellesley has been cited for using zoning laws to restrict the development of multi-family housing, which tends to be more affordable.		Lexington: Known for its high property values and zoning practices that favor single-family homes, limiting more affordable housing options.These towns, among others in Massachusetts, often use zoning as a tool to maintain a certain demographic and economic status quo, leading to criticism regarding social equity and inclusiveness.





On Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 09:28:56 PM EST, Sara Mattes  wrote:



It had absolutely NOTHING to do with preventing “undesirable” people moving in.It had to do with land preservation and conservation and concern over the inability of the town finances to support a rapid growth in population.We had no commercial base, except a few small business along Rt.2A and 117.Racial and ethnic (antisemitism) was an issue a bit later-it was near impossible to buy a house in Lincoln if you were Black or Jewish.Story goes that a seller was present at the tour and always expressed interest in who would be the buyer.If a Jew managed to get a showing, the seller would take their time and then turn down the offer.If you were black, it was next to impossible to get a showing.I moved here in 1976, and told that was the case, even then.It had nothing to do with zoning.
--Sara Mattes


On Nov 26, 2023, at 8:36 PM, DJCP  wrote:Two acre zoning was meant as a means of "control" (a word currently bandied about without any shame) after WWII housing booms to prevent too much housing being built and "undesirable" people moving in. Anyone who has given an ounce of attention to the anti racism reckoning we are currently going thru shouldn't have a problem seeing through any other rationale given for such zoning.Diana Giles Rd On Sun, Nov 26, 2023, 7:55 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:Two acre zoning was to protect wetlands and open space and encourage land conservation.It bought time to allow for creative planning and development efforts.I recommend reading A Rich Harvest to better understand the arc of our history and the role land protection has played.Also, Bob Lemire’s book, Creative Land Development has been leading light not just in Lincoln, but nationally.There is such to be proud of and to be thankful for- for the wisdom of those who did big picture thinking in the past, and made wise investments to ensure most of the plans were realized.The environment thanks us for the tree cover and the carbon sink our land provides.The environment thanks us for wetlands protection.Folks in our forward-thinking affordable housing developments thank us.Seniors who now have multiple housing choices for down-sizing thank us.Those seeking respite from the city to walk our trails and fields thank us.We need to build on that-move forward, and add to it-esp. with more housing choices,-but to do it in cautious, tho

Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Sara Mattes]

It had absolutely NOTHING to do with preventing “undesirable” people moving in.
It had to do with land preservation and conservation and concern over the 
inability of the town finances to support a rapid growth in population.
We had no commercial base, except a few small business along Rt.2A and 117.

Racial and ethnic (antisemitism) was an issue a bit later-it was near 
impossible to buy a house in Lincoln if you were Black or Jewish.
Story goes that a seller was present at the tour and always expressed interest 
in who would be the buyer.
If a Jew managed to get a showing, the seller would take their time and then 
turn down the offer.
If you were black, it was next to impossible to get a showing.
I moved here in 1976, and told that was the case, even then.

It had nothing to do with zoning.







--
Sara Mattes




> On Nov 26, 2023, at 8:36 PM, DJCP  wrote:
> 
> Two acre zoning was meant as a means of "control" (a word currently bandied 
> about without any shame) after WWII housing booms to prevent too much housing 
> being built and "undesirable" people moving in. Anyone who has given an ounce 
> of attention to the anti racism reckoning we are currently going thru 
> shouldn't have a problem seeing through any other rationale given for such 
> zoning.
> 
> Diana 
> Giles Rd 
> 
> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023, 7:55 PM Sara Mattes  > wrote:
>> Two acre zoning was to protect wetlands and open space and encourage land 
>> conservation.
>> It bought time to allow for creative planning and development efforts.
>> I recommend reading A Rich Harvest to better understand the arc of our 
>> history and the role land protection has played.
>> Also, Bob Lemire’s book, Creative Land Development has been leading light 
>> not just in Lincoln, but nationally.
>> 
>> There is such to be proud of and to be thankful for- for the wisdom of those 
>> who did big picture thinking in the past, and made wise investments to 
>> ensure most of the plans were realized.
>> The environment thanks us for the tree cover and the carbon sink our land 
>> provides.
>> The environment thanks us for wetlands protection.
>> Folks in our forward-thinking affordable housing developments thank us.
>> Seniors who now have multiple housing choices for down-sizing thank us.
>> Those seeking respite from the city to walk our trails and fields thank us.
>> 
>> 
>> We need to build on that-move forward, and add to it-esp. with more housing 
>> choices,-but to do it in cautious, thoughtful and deliberate ways.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> Sara Mattes
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On Nov 26, 2023, at 12:18 PM, Louis Zipes >> > wrote:
>>> 
>>> And our emergency services are quite familiar with our part of 117 since 
>>> there are so many accidents due to our bucolic scenery and other historical 
>>> roadways.
>>> 
>>> I especially find it fascinating that Lincoln was the first town in 
>>> Massachusetts to adopt two acre housing. So much history to be proud of!
>>> 
>>> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 12:01 PM Ken Hurd >> > wrote:
 Sara,
 
 Your comment is very misleading.  
 
 Cold Brook Crossing is not at all what one might see in Lincoln Station 
 because of the controls that the Planning Board would have over any 
 complex with the Site Plan Review section of Lincoln’s Zoning Bylaws that 
 are already in place.  
 
 Cold Brook Crossing is an example of Chapter 40B housing in which 
 developers are allowed to bypass zoning when the SHI (Subsidized Housing 
 Inventory) is under 10%.  These are two different animals.
 
 I’m sorry you felt you needed to resort to such a scare tactic in this 
 discussion.
 
 Ken Hurd
 
 Lifting the Human Spirit by Design
 781-259-3300
 781-259-8900 cell
 www.keha.com 
 
 
 
 
> On Nov 26, 2023, at 11:27 AM, Sara Mattes  > wrote:
> 
> 117 offers a lovely drive from Lincoln to Leominster, and a history 
> lesson as you see the landscape and the towns change as you head west.
> 
> Nearby, is a starling lesson.
> 
> Just past Nine Acre Corner in Concord, and over the Sudbury line, on your 
> right as you head west, you will see Cold Brook Crossing.
> It is a new housing development, many units completed and more under 
> construction.
> It is a model for what we might see on Lincoln, esp. at the mall.
> 
> Take a drive and see.
> Is that what we want?
> You be the judge.
> 
> --
> Sara Mattes
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org 
> .
> Browse the archives at 
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
> Change your subscription settings at 
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/ma

Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Sasha Golden]

Without discussing Lincoln specifically, there have been extensive studies
for years connecting large-lot zoning with intentional discrimination by
race, class and immigration status, and most recently -- families with
children. The less land available for development, the easier to keep the
riff-raff out.

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/zoning-the-good-and-the-bad/

On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 7:55 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:

> Two acre zoning was to protect wetlands and open space and encourage land
> conservation.
> It bought time to allow for creative planning and development efforts.
> I recommend reading *A Rich Harvest *to better understand the arc of our
> history and the role land protection has played.
> Also, Bob Lemire’s book, *Creative Land Development *has been leading
> light not just in Lincoln, but nationally.
>
> There is such to be proud of and to be thankful for- for the wisdom of
> those who did big picture thinking in the past, and made wise investments
> to ensure most of the plans were realized.
> The environment thanks us for the tree cover and the carbon sink our land
> provides.
> The environment thanks us for wetlands protection.
> Folks in our forward-thinking affordable housing developments thank us.
> Seniors who now have multiple housing choices for down-sizing thank us.
> Those seeking respite from the city to walk our trails and fields thank us.
>
>
> We need to build on that-move forward, and add to it-esp. with more
> housing choices,-but to do it in cautious, thoughtful and deliberate ways.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Sara Mattes
>
>
>
>
> On Nov 26, 2023, at 12:18 PM, Louis Zipes  wrote:
>
> And our emergency services are quite familiar with our part of 117 since
> there are so many accidents due to our bucolic scenery and other historical
> roadways.
>
> I especially find it fascinating that Lincoln was the first town in
> Massachusetts to adopt two acre housing. So much history to be proud of!
>
> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 12:01 PM Ken Hurd  wrote:
>
>> Sara,
>>
>> Your comment is very misleading.
>>
>> Cold Brook Crossing is not at all what one might see in Lincoln Station
>> because of the controls that the Planning Board would have over any complex
>> with the Site Plan Review section of Lincoln’s Zoning Bylaws that are
>> already in place.
>>
>> Cold Brook Crossing is an example of Chapter 40B housing in which
>> developers are allowed to bypass zoning when the SHI (Subsidized Housing
>> Inventory) is under 10%.  These are two different animals.
>>
>> I’m sorry you felt you needed to resort to such a scare tactic in this
>> discussion.
>>
>> Ken Hurd
>>
>> Lifting the Human Spirit by Design
>> 781-259-3300
>> 781-259-8900 cell
>> www.keha.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Nov 26, 2023, at 11:27 AM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
>>
>> 117 offers a lovely drive from Lincoln to Leominster, and a history
>> lesson as you see the landscape and the towns change as you head west.
>>
>> Nearby, is a starling lesson.
>>
>> Just past Nine Acre Corner in Concord, and over the Sudbury line, on your
>> right as you head west, you will see Cold Brook Crossing.
>> It is a new housing development, many units completed and more under
>> construction.
>> It is a model for what we might see on Lincoln, esp. at the mall.
>>
>> Take a drive and see.
>> Is that what we want?
>> You be the judge.
>>
>> --
>> Sara Mattes
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
>> Browse the archives at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>
>>
>> --
>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
>> Browse the archives at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>
>>
> --
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
>

-- 
Sasha Golden
-- 
The LincolnTalk mailing list.
To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
Change your subscription settings at 
https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.

Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[DJCP]

Two acre zoning was meant as a means of "control" (a word currently bandied
about without any shame) after WWII housing booms to prevent too much
housing being built and "undesirable" people moving in. Anyone who has
given an ounce of attention to the anti racism reckoning we are currently
going thru shouldn't have a problem seeing through any other rationale
given for such zoning.

Diana
Giles Rd

On Sun, Nov 26, 2023, 7:55 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:

> Two acre zoning was to protect wetlands and open space and encourage land
> conservation.
> It bought time to allow for creative planning and development efforts.
> I recommend reading *A Rich Harvest *to better understand the arc of our
> history and the role land protection has played.
> Also, Bob Lemire’s book, *Creative Land Development *has been leading
> light not just in Lincoln, but nationally.
>
> There is such to be proud of and to be thankful for- for the wisdom of
> those who did big picture thinking in the past, and made wise investments
> to ensure most of the plans were realized.
> The environment thanks us for the tree cover and the carbon sink our land
> provides.
> The environment thanks us for wetlands protection.
> Folks in our forward-thinking affordable housing developments thank us.
> Seniors who now have multiple housing choices for down-sizing thank us.
> Those seeking respite from the city to walk our trails and fields thank us.
>
>
> We need to build on that-move forward, and add to it-esp. with more
> housing choices,-but to do it in cautious, thoughtful and deliberate ways.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Sara Mattes
>
>
>
>
> On Nov 26, 2023, at 12:18 PM, Louis Zipes  wrote:
>
> And our emergency services are quite familiar with our part of 117 since
> there are so many accidents due to our bucolic scenery and other historical
> roadways.
>
> I especially find it fascinating that Lincoln was the first town in
> Massachusetts to adopt two acre housing. So much history to be proud of!
>
> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 12:01 PM Ken Hurd  wrote:
>
>> Sara,
>>
>> Your comment is very misleading.
>>
>> Cold Brook Crossing is not at all what one might see in Lincoln Station
>> because of the controls that the Planning Board would have over any complex
>> with the Site Plan Review section of Lincoln’s Zoning Bylaws that are
>> already in place.
>>
>> Cold Brook Crossing is an example of Chapter 40B housing in which
>> developers are allowed to bypass zoning when the SHI (Subsidized Housing
>> Inventory) is under 10%.  These are two different animals.
>>
>> I’m sorry you felt you needed to resort to such a scare tactic in this
>> discussion.
>>
>> Ken Hurd
>>
>> Lifting the Human Spirit by Design
>> 781-259-3300
>> 781-259-8900 cell
>> www.keha.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Nov 26, 2023, at 11:27 AM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
>>
>> 117 offers a lovely drive from Lincoln to Leominster, and a history
>> lesson as you see the landscape and the towns change as you head west.
>>
>> Nearby, is a starling lesson.
>>
>> Just past Nine Acre Corner in Concord, and over the Sudbury line, on your
>> right as you head west, you will see Cold Brook Crossing.
>> It is a new housing development, many units completed and more under
>> construction.
>> It is a model for what we might see on Lincoln, esp. at the mall.
>>
>> Take a drive and see.
>> Is that what we want?
>> You be the judge.
>>
>> --
>> Sara Mattes
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
>> Browse the archives at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>
>>
>> --
>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
>> Browse the archives at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>
>>
> --
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
>
-- 
The LincolnTalk mailing list.
To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
Change your subscription settings at 
https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.

Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Sara Mattes]

Two acre zoning was to protect wetlands and open space and encourage land 
conservation.
It bought time to allow for creative planning and development efforts.
I recommend reading A Rich Harvest to better understand the arc of our history 
and the role land protection has played.
Also, Bob Lemire’s book, Creative Land Development has been leading light not 
just in Lincoln, but nationally.

There is such to be proud of and to be thankful for- for the wisdom of those 
who did big picture thinking in the past, and made wise investments to ensure 
most of the plans were realized.
The environment thanks us for the tree cover and the carbon sink our land 
provides.
The environment thanks us for wetlands protection.
Folks in our forward-thinking affordable housing developments thank us.
Seniors who now have multiple housing choices for down-sizing thank us.
Those seeking respite from the city to walk our trails and fields thank us.


We need to build on that-move forward, and add to it-esp. with more housing 
choices,-but to do it in cautious, thoughtful and deliberate ways.





--
Sara Mattes




> On Nov 26, 2023, at 12:18 PM, Louis Zipes  wrote:
> 
> And our emergency services are quite familiar with our part of 117 since 
> there are so many accidents due to our bucolic scenery and other historical 
> roadways.
> 
> I especially find it fascinating that Lincoln was the first town in 
> Massachusetts to adopt two acre housing. So much history to be proud of!
> 
> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 12:01 PM Ken Hurd  > wrote:
>> Sara,
>> 
>> Your comment is very misleading.  
>> 
>> Cold Brook Crossing is not at all what one might see in Lincoln Station 
>> because of the controls that the Planning Board would have over any complex 
>> with the Site Plan Review section of Lincoln’s Zoning Bylaws that are 
>> already in place.  
>> 
>> Cold Brook Crossing is an example of Chapter 40B housing in which developers 
>> are allowed to bypass zoning when the SHI (Subsidized Housing Inventory) is 
>> under 10%.  These are two different animals.
>> 
>> I’m sorry you felt you needed to resort to such a scare tactic in this 
>> discussion.
>> 
>> Ken Hurd
>> 
>> Lifting the Human Spirit by Design
>> 781-259-3300
>> 781-259-8900 cell
>> www.keha.com 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On Nov 26, 2023, at 11:27 AM, Sara Mattes >> > wrote:
>>> 
>>> 117 offers a lovely drive from Lincoln to Leominster, and a history lesson 
>>> as you see the landscape and the towns change as you head west.
>>> 
>>> Nearby, is a starling lesson.
>>> 
>>> Just past Nine Acre Corner in Concord, and over the Sudbury line, on your 
>>> right as you head west, you will see Cold Brook Crossing.
>>> It is a new housing development, many units completed and more under 
>>> construction.
>>> It is a model for what we might see on Lincoln, esp. at the mall.
>>> 
>>> Take a drive and see.
>>> Is that what we want?
>>> You be the judge.
>>> 
>>> --
>>> Sara Mattes
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org 
>>> .
>>> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>>> Change your subscription settings at 
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Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive-still recommended, even if you do not want to see what development might look like

[Sara Mattes]

Hardly misleading , Ken.
Are you familiar with Cold Brook Crossing?
Are you familiar with the renderings we all have been shown as to how the Mall 
redevelopment might look like along Lincoln Rd? 

The Cold Brook Crossing Buildings are set back.
The buildings at the mall move forward, into the parking lot along Lincoln Rd.

I was suggesting folks take a look at that development not for the source of 
the zoning, but rather the visual impact.

The whole intent of the HCA rezone is to create by-right development.
Our zoning bylaws, to be introduced at a later date,  are currently being 
created to be entirely developer-friendly at the mall, guided by the requests 
made by one of the owners of expected developer, CIVICO.

If Lincoln were to construct the kind of zoning bylaws that we have used in the 
past to control the look and feel of development, including the use of 
inclusionary zoning, (not an inconsequential a social justice issue) under HCA 
zoning, we would more than likely face a legal challenge.

That is why it serves us to be cautious when it comes to considering what will 
serve the town, and the region best, when it comes to rezoning for HCA 
compliance.
I would argue that we are best served by holding the mall out for separate 
discussion and rezoning for (much needed) redevelopment with the addition of 
multifamily housing.

Finally, my suggestion was not a scare tactic-just a reality check for those 
who might not have contemplated what actual development might look like-height, 
density, etc.

And, by the way, you could zip right past that development and still enjoy a 
beautiful ride though some lovely towns to an older industrial city, 
Leominster, trying to find its own footing through repurposing and 
redevelopment . There, at the intersection of Rt/117 and Mechanic St.,  is an 
amazing cluster of churches representing all faiths worshiping in many  of 
different languages and architectural styles and eras.
It is a trip through time.




--
Sara Mattes




> On Nov 26, 2023, at 12:00 PM, Ken Hurd  wrote:
> 
> Sara,
> 
> Your comment is very misleading.  
> 
> Cold Brook Crossing is not at all what one might see in Lincoln Station 
> because of the controls that the Planning Board would have over any complex 
> with the Site Plan Review section of Lincoln’s Zoning Bylaws that are already 
> in place.  
> 
> Cold Brook Crossing is an example of Chapter 40B housing in which developers 
> are allowed to bypass zoning when the SHI (Subsidized Housing Inventory) is 
> under 10%.  These are two different animals.
> 
> I’m sorry you felt you needed to resort to such a scare tactic in this 
> discussion.
> 
> Ken Hurd
> 
> Lifting the Human Spirit by Design
> 781-259-3300
> 781-259-8900 cell
> www.keha.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Nov 26, 2023, at 11:27 AM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
>> 
>> 117 offers a lovely drive from Lincoln to Leominster, and a history lesson 
>> as you see the landscape and the towns change as you head west.
>> 
>> Nearby, is a starling lesson.
>> 
>> Just past Nine Acre Corner in Concord, and over the Sudbury line, on your 
>> right as you head west, you will see Cold Brook Crossing.
>> It is a new housing development, many units completed and more under 
>> construction.
>> It is a model for what we might see on Lincoln, esp. at the mall.
>> 
>> Take a drive and see.
>> Is that what we want?
>> You be the judge.
>> 
>> --
>> Sara Mattes
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
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>> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at 
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>> 
> 

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Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Louis Zipes]

And our emergency services are quite familiar with our part of 117 since
there are so many accidents due to our bucolic scenery and other historical
roadways.

I especially find it fascinating that Lincoln was the first town in
Massachusetts to adopt two acre housing. So much history to be proud of!

On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 12:01 PM Ken Hurd  wrote:

> Sara,
>
> Your comment is very misleading.
>
> Cold Brook Crossing is not at all what one might see in Lincoln Station
> because of the controls that the Planning Board would have over any complex
> with the Site Plan Review section of Lincoln’s Zoning Bylaws that are
> already in place.
>
> Cold Brook Crossing is an example of Chapter 40B housing in which
> developers are allowed to bypass zoning when the SHI (Subsidized Housing
> Inventory) is under 10%.  These are two different animals.
>
> I’m sorry you felt you needed to resort to such a scare tactic in this
> discussion.
>
> Ken Hurd
>
> Lifting the Human Spirit by Design
> 781-259-3300
> 781-259-8900 cell
> www.keha.com
>
>
>
>
> On Nov 26, 2023, at 11:27 AM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
>
> 117 offers a lovely drive from Lincoln to Leominster, and a history lesson
> as you see the landscape and the towns change as you head west.
>
> Nearby, is a starling lesson.
>
> Just past Nine Acre Corner in Concord, and over the Sudbury line, on your
> right as you head west, you will see Cold Brook Crossing.
> It is a new housing development, many units completed and more under
> construction.
> It is a model for what we might see on Lincoln, esp. at the mall.
>
> Take a drive and see.
> Is that what we want?
> You be the judge.
>
> --
> Sara Mattes
>
>
>
>
> --
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
>
> --
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> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Ken Hurd]

Sara,

Your comment is very misleading.  

Cold Brook Crossing is not at all what one might see in Lincoln Station because 
of the controls that the Planning Board would have over any complex with the 
Site Plan Review section of Lincoln’s Zoning Bylaws that are already in place.  

Cold Brook Crossing is an example of Chapter 40B housing in which developers 
are allowed to bypass zoning when the SHI (Subsidized Housing Inventory) is 
under 10%.  These are two different animals.

I’m sorry you felt you needed to resort to such a scare tactic in this 
discussion.

Ken Hurd

Lifting the Human Spirit by Design
781-259-3300
781-259-8900 cell
www.keha.com




> On Nov 26, 2023, at 11:27 AM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
> 
> 117 offers a lovely drive from Lincoln to Leominster, and a history lesson as 
> you see the landscape and the towns change as you head west.
> 
> Nearby, is a starling lesson.
> 
> Just past Nine Acre Corner in Concord, and over the Sudbury line, on your 
> right as you head west, you will see Cold Brook Crossing.
> It is a new housing development, many units completed and more under 
> construction.
> It is a model for what we might see on Lincoln, esp. at the mall.
> 
> Take a drive and see.
> Is that what we want?
> You be the judge.
> 
> --
> Sara Mattes
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
> Change your subscription settings at 
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
> 

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[LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Sara Mattes]

117 offers a lovely drive from Lincoln to Leominster, and a history lesson as 
you see the landscape and the towns change as you head west.

Nearby, is a starling lesson.

Just past Nine Acre Corner in Concord, and over the Sudbury line, on your right 
as you head west, you will see Cold Brook Crossing.
It is a new housing development, many units completed and more under 
construction.
It is a model for what we might see on Lincoln, esp. at the mall.

Take a drive and see.
Is that what we want?
You be the judge.

--
Sara Mattes




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