The recent (now past) good times in real estate brought us tear-downs and McMansions even on small lots and overly dense developments on larger lots.  This results in the loss of small affordable homes which are replaced by oversize structures out of character with the neighborhood.  This process is  fueled by developers who can earn bigger profits by building big houses for higher prices.  Fortunately the state’s highest court has recently declined to defend developer interests in this process and as a legislator I would hope to craft legislation to strengthen their position.  Although the overall population in our area has dropped and the number of persons per household has decreased (fewer children), nevertheless the number and density of residences has increased and vehicular traffic and congestion have increased greatly. 

 

Large yards have been gobbled up for dense  new construction and parking.  We have watched subdivision of some of the few remaining large lots and wasteful demolition of the (sometimes historic) homes on these lots.  Occasionally Arlington’s demolition delay bylaw (which I supported) comes into effect and stops or discourages this loss if the threatened residence is historic.  In general, however, in Arlington, neighbors have been powerless to prevent construction of  McMansions or developments placing them permanently in shadow or the construction of a new road reaching in behind other homes and creating a new streetfront in what was once open space so that blasting and new construction can proceed.  Legislation should be devised to prevent over-development and to encourage the development of affordable “starter homes” to encourage young families to remain in Massachusetts.  Development should be beneficial and not detrimental.  The obvious example is Chapter 40B.  But other laws need amending.  These include Chapter 40R. In both these cases even our historic districts, the creation of which has been a special interest of mine,  may be threatened and I would work for legislative remedy to protect our historic districts and structures from the flaws in these laws.

  “You have placed your trust in me for 19 years, and I have kept that trust in all that I have done.  Should you elect me as your Representative, I will do the same.  I will work for you and for Arlington & West Medford, and Massachusetts to be the best that they can be.”