Thank you to Councilor Marc Laredo for his recent questions to the City Council, as reported in Fig City News, regarding the zoning proposal.
His thoughtful and thought-provoking questions raise many of the issues that the City has so far failed to address, despite similar feedback. He not only raises the problem with the city not providing “full buildout modeling” and “3-D modeling of the proposed zoning,” he asks:
- What is the factual basis (as opposed to speculation or opinion) for the statement that any proposed changes will be gradual over many years?
- What is the Planning Department’s expectation as to the number of additional units of housing that might be built in addition to the rezoned areas in the next twenty years (areas such as Riverside, Northland, along Washington Street, along California Street, and similar locations)?
- What is the Planning Department’s plan for providing additional city services for the additional housing that can be built?
I share these questions and appreciate Councilor Laredo’s bringing them into the spotlight. I hope the City will respond, in writing, which he has requested.
Cyrisse Jaffee
Newton Lower Falls