Purpose

5 Point Sustainable Development Plan

One of the most common things I’ve heard at the thousands of doors that I’ve knocked in the last few months is the residents of our neighborhood are extremely concerned with the influx of new development. As a lifelong resident of both Allston and Brighton, I empathize wholeheartedly with the concerns of my friends and neighbors. I have not only seen beloved spots of my childhood turnover to luxury apartments, but my children have as well. Therefore it is important that the voters of Allston-Brighton know that they aren’t just voting for a lifelong neighbor, but a thoughtful representative willing to fight for Allston-Brighton. That is why I’m offering this five-point plan. We must ensure that the two neighborhoods I have called home for 50 years continues to create one of the strongest communities in the city.

My Plan

A progressive real estate transfer tax on multi-million dollar properties changing hands in the city to assist long-term residents in buying owner-occupied homes

Our city has a proud history of adapting and changing as new waves of residents come in and lay down roots. In order for this to continue, however, people need to be able to establish those roots. This progressive, proportionate tax would focus mainly on the multi-billion dollar corporations buying lots for ultra-luxury buildings like One Dalton and the Millenium Tower. Pennies on the dollar to developers, the funds from the one-time fee would go directly towards funding a homeownership assistance program for long-term residents looking to purchase a home.

An effective, enforceable, community development impact study so that Allston-Brighton rules are applied to Allston-Brighton

We are proud in Boston to have such unique neighborhoods across the city, and Allston-Brighton is no exception. We must ensure that instead of applying uniform, pan-city regulations to development in our neighborhood, the specific demographic and geographic circumstances in our part of the city are taken into account when the BPDA reviews applications for new development.

Proportionate green space regulations and increased environmental standards

We no longer have time to wait for federal action on the fight against climate change. On the City Council, I will not only support the initiatives already put forth on the Council to transition our city buildings towards carbon neutrality, but ensure that all new development is up to the highest environmental standards. Furthermore, I will propose an ordinance that mandates any development taking away green space to include a proportionate amount of new or revitalized green space in their own plans.

A permanent Boston resident seat on the MBTA board

It is no secret that our transportation infrastructure was never built to service the amount of people currently relying on it, particularly with the influx of new residents. When derailments, delays, and disrepair disrupt MBTA service, Boston residents feel it the hardest. I will work tirelessly with other members of the city government to ensure that there is always a Boston seat on the MBTA board so that the future of our public transit system can support everyone who needs it in our neighborhood and city.

Investment in vocational and technological education in Boston Public Schools

We need to invest in our schools across the board. However, we are doing a disservice to the thousands of students attending schools like Madison Park who are learning vocational and technological trades on outdated and inadequate equipment. As a 30-year electrician, I have worked hard throughout my career to give people sustainable jobs in the trades. We need to further invest in vocational education so that our city’s students are prepared to meet the needs of the 21st century workforce.