This is good news (the expanded service)…if it comes to pass. The T has been making a lot of promises, but the trains still crawl, new (reliable) cars have yet to be delivered…and on and on.
I won’t hold my breath, but will be delighted to find my pessimism has no basis. ------ Sara Mattes > On Mar 19, 2023, at 6:12 PM, Chris McCarthy <[email protected]> wrote: > > Sara, > > > > We have in fact seen improved service since late 2019 around when the > pandemic began. Although overall ridership has declined about 29% > <https://mbtabackontrack.com/performance/#/detail/ridership/2023-01-01/Commuter%20Rail///>, > weekend ridership now exceeds pre-pandemic numbers > <https://mass.streetsblog.org/2023/01/11/weekend-commuter-rail-ridership-now-exceeds-pre-pandemic-traffic/>. > If you compare the Fitchburg Line schedules from Fall of 2019 > <https://www.dbperry.net/MBTA/fitchburg/fitchburg_2019-10-21.pdf> to those > presently in effect for Spring of 2023 > <https://www.dbperry.net/MBTA/fitchburg/fitchburg_2022-05-23.pdf>, you’ll > notice that not only did we not lose any weekday trips, but the schedule has > become hourly with predictable inbound/outbound arrival times in Lincoln. > > > > You will also find that the Fitchburg line has very reliable service > <https://mbtabackontrack.com/performance/#/detail/reliability/2023-03-18////all> > on a consistent basis, in addition to the better service levels I showed > above. The Subway/Bus system would dream of having a similar degree of on > time performance. > > > > Also of note, lawmakers have plans > <https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/21293664/ma-lawmakers-pushing-for-mbta-to-electrify-commuter-rail-by-2035> > to decarbonize the commuter rail. I remember people thinking the plans to > implement a housing bill were far fetched and look where we are. This seems > like a real possibility, particularly given that the MBTA has already put out > an RFI > <https://www.commbuys.com/bso/external/bidDetail.sdo?docId=BD-22-1206-40000-40000-77900&external=true&parentUrl=close> > to procure multimodal locomotives for its Commuter Rail network. > > > > We seem well situated to do our part in the long term planning process. > > > > - Chris > > > On Sun, Mar 19, 2023 at 4:44 PM Sara Mattes <[email protected] > <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> 1) If the government was interested in truly committing to public transit, >> it would place more resources there. Instead, we have seen a steady >> decline in service, with a few exceptions. >> In addition, there is a misunderstanding that service is linked to >> compliance with the HCA. >> It is not. >> >> 2) Because of the above, increased development, further away from places of >> employment, without a dramatic expansion in public transit options, will >> only expand the use of cars. >> And, again, the HCA does not require ANY affordability in development. >> All housing developed can be luxury, high-end housing. >> >> 3) It might be a good mandate if, indeed, it truly addressed affordability, >> as did 40B. >> And yes, public transit would be an important resource for the greater good >> if it were reliable, regular and affordable service. >> It is not. >> >> 4) And, it is that thoughtful local governance, done our own way, that has >> achieved the 30+% multifamily units and affordability, both moderate and >> low-income, that we have today. >> >> 5) Yes, we can and will do more…our way. >> >> Sara >> ------ >> Sara Mattes >> >> >> >> >>> On Mar 19, 2023, at 4:12 PM, John Mendelson <[email protected] >>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>> >>> The HCA, to me at least, is the state government saying to MBTA >>> communities, "if you want to have public transit, you have to make the area >>> around the station walkable for residents and with zoning that forces >>> greener, and hopefully, more affordable housing. >>> >>> It is the government saying to communities "make your town less dependent >>> on cars" which is a greener and more affordable solution. >>> >>> It is the best kind of government mandate in my view--leveraging an already >>> important public resource for the greater good. >>> >>> It is not saying "displace renters" and I think that is where thoughtful >>> local governance comes in. Not just resisting for the sake of "doing it >>> our own way." >>> >>> John >>> >>> On Sun, Mar 19, 2023, 3:54 PM Sara Mattes <[email protected] >>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>> The HCA does nothing to address affordable housing crisis. >>>> That is NOT a requirement embedded in the HCA. >>>> >>>> This something Lincoln, on its own, has embraced in the past 50, slowly >>>> and steadily, as opportunities arose. >>>> >>>> We did so without displacing anyone. >>>> >>>> I trust we can continue on this path. >>>> >>>> Sara >>>> >>>> ------ >>>> Sara Mattes >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> On Mar 19, 2023, at 3:41 PM, John Mendelson <[email protected] >>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> It could also lead to a long term solution to the area's significant >>>>> housing shortage (crisis, if you are so inclined.) >>>>> >>>>> On Sun, Mar 19, 2023, 3:16 PM Sara Mattes <[email protected] >>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>> What HCA does is create a YUGE financial incentive for developers to >>>>>> come in and develop undeveloped land, or redevelop “lightly developed” >>>>>> neighborhoods. >>>>>> That can lead to the displacement of current residents who rent, rather >>>>>> than own. >>>>>> >>>>>> That potential must not be ignored. >>>>>> >>>>>> Sara >>>>>> >>>>>> ------ >>>>>> Sara Mattes >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> On Mar 19, 2023, at 2:20 PM, Margaret Olson <[email protected] >>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The HCA is concerned only with zoning. It does not address housing >>>>>>> production. It does not require that anything actually get built and >>>>>>> and it does not give any kind of credit for existing multi family >>>>>>> housing. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Lincoln had no zones that are 15 units per acre by right as the HCA >>>>>>> requires. Oriole Landing’s built area is at that density but it was >>>>>>> built under a special permit and it has additional undeveloped acreage >>>>>>> behind the buildings >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Margaret >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Sun, Mar 19, 2023 at 1:37 PM Debra Daugherty <[email protected] >>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>>>> I guess my question for anyone that would like to chime in is: Why >>>>>>>> doesn't the bus station at Hanscom Field and the area surrounding that >>>>>>>> bus station count in this? And can we count the already existing >>>>>>>> Battle Road Farm housing, ansome/most of which is within 0.5 miles of >>>>>>>> the bus stop and should meet the15 unit/acre requirement, toward the >>>>>>>> total requirement? >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Thanks! >>>>>>>> Debra >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Sun, Mar 19, 2023 at 8:09 AM <[email protected] >>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>>>>> Well said, Craig. Thank you for your clarity, analysis, and your >>>>>>>>> confidence in our community… Lincoln can “protect current residents >>>>>>>>> while allowing for limited development…”. Of course we can! >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I’m looking forward to your thoughtful leadership at the Planning >>>>>>>>> Board. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Joe Robbat >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Old Concord Road >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> From: Lincoln <[email protected] >>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> On Behalf Of Craig Nicholson >>>>>>>>> Sent: Friday, March 17, 2023 3:43 PM >>>>>>>>> To: Chris McCarthy <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> >>>>>>>>> Cc: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] My Candidacy for the Lincoln Planning Board >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Chris, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I know that I wasn’t specifically asked to address your question but >>>>>>>>> as a candidate for the Planning Board, I would like to build upon >>>>>>>>> what Lynn and Mark have stated. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> First, if there ever any question about how the current >>>>>>>>> administration would respond to the HCA, AG Campbell’s Advisory >>>>>>>>> (https://www.mass.gov/doc/advisory-concerning-enforcement-of-the-mbta-communities-zoning-law/download) >>>>>>>>> has made it very clear that this legislation will be enforced with >>>>>>>>> whatever tools are at the State’s disposal. Beyond the AGs Office >>>>>>>>> there are other organizations such as the Lawyers for Civil Rights >>>>>>>>> who have signaled that they will pursue their own course of options >>>>>>>>> to ensure compliance >>>>>>>>> (http://lawyersforcivilrights.org/our-impact/housing/lawyers-for-civil-rights-demands-compliance-with-mbta-zoning-law/). >>>>>>>>> Furthermore, members of the State Legislature, including our own >>>>>>>>> Senator Mike Barrett, are proposing legislation that would strip the >>>>>>>>> HCA of some of its flexibility and mandate all land within the >>>>>>>>> 0.5-mile radius of the commuter rail station be zoned for density of >>>>>>>>> 15 units per acre >>>>>>>>> (https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S858/Cosponsor). One way or >>>>>>>>> another, it would seem (given the above) that at the state level, the >>>>>>>>> political will is there to enforce compliance. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> As the MBTA Communities portion of the Housing Choice Act is >>>>>>>>> currently written, Lincoln will be required to rezone 42 to 43 acres >>>>>>>>> at a minimum gross density of 15 units/acre. 20% or 8 acres of those >>>>>>>>> 42 are required to be located within a half mile radius of Lincoln >>>>>>>>> Station. Per the HCA, this new zoning district cannot explicitly >>>>>>>>> require commercial use within it, although the town can develop >>>>>>>>> incentives that would encourage mixed-use development. The 34 acre >>>>>>>>> balance can be located elsewhere in town beyond the 0.5-mile radius >>>>>>>>> of the commuter rail station with a requirement for at least 21 acres >>>>>>>>> of that land to be contiguous. The flexibility now allowed under the >>>>>>>>> HCA gives Lincoln the opportunity to take advantage of the >>>>>>>>> multi-family housing that it has thoughtfully developed in the past. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> The HCA Working Group (HCAWG) in Lincoln is currently evaluating >>>>>>>>> options to comply with these requirements in a way that will >>>>>>>>> strengthen our community. The work that the HCAWG is undertaking is >>>>>>>>> being supported by a grant from Mass Housing Partnership to >>>>>>>>> facilitate community engagement. I strongly support the work that the >>>>>>>>> HCAWG is undertaking and look forward to engaging further with that >>>>>>>>> process throughout the year ahead. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I recognize that residents are concerned with how this new zoning >>>>>>>>> will affect them and the town. I see this as an opportunity to >>>>>>>>> balance the goals of the HCA with the goals of our community. I am >>>>>>>>> confident that the HCAWG, working collaboratively with residents >>>>>>>>> throughout Lincoln, will develop options that protect current >>>>>>>>> residents while allowing for limited development that will help to >>>>>>>>> strengthen our businesses and more broadly our community as a whole. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I am happy to address any additional questions if you, or others in >>>>>>>>> our community, have them and I appreciate the opportunity to provide >>>>>>>>> more context and offer my thoughts. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Thank you, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Craig >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Thu, Mar 16, 2023 at 9:23 PM Chris McCarthy <[email protected] >>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Mark, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Thank you for your response. I appreciate your honesty regarding the >>>>>>>>> hope that enforcement of the HCA will be struck down by the courts. >>>>>>>>> It is certainly a progressive piece of legislation. Though hopefully >>>>>>>>> non-compliance wouldn't create lengthy and expensive battles for >>>>>>>>> those involved. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> As to your last point, I don't believe anyone is trying to keep >>>>>>>>> people out. Existing zoning including large lot sizes, exemptions >>>>>>>>> like conservation land, wetlands etc. have already done that for us. >>>>>>>>> As a fellow Lincoln Station area resident I also hope to find >>>>>>>>> creative solutions rather than pulling the ladder up behind us. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Thanks again for the response, and thank you to Lynn as well. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Chris McCarthy >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> 41 Greenridge Ln. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Thu, Mar 16, 2023 at 8:25 PM Mark Levinson >>>>>>>>> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> >>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Chris, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> That’s an interesting question. I see Lynn DeLisi has already >>>>>>>>> responded to it. I agree with Lynn in general, and here’s my two >>>>>>>>> cents: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> The recently passed Housing Choice Act (HCA) mandates zoning changes >>>>>>>>> near MBTA stations to allow much higher density housing. However the >>>>>>>>> law states that the penalty for non-compliance is simply the loss of >>>>>>>>> access to some state funds. So compliance is really voluntary. Our >>>>>>>>> new Attorney General, Andrea Campbell, just announced that she will >>>>>>>>> force compliance with the law. However, I believe that such actions >>>>>>>>> would exceed her authority, which is to enforce the law, not make it. >>>>>>>>> Unless the legislature changes the law, I would guess and hope that >>>>>>>>> any enforcement attempt on her part would be shot down by the courts. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> That being said, I think we should do what we can to comply with the >>>>>>>>> HCA. It applies to the Lincoln Station neighborhood, which is where >>>>>>>>> I live. My understanding is that the state will allow some >>>>>>>>> flexibility in how and where the new zoning could be implemented. I >>>>>>>>> think we should try to find creative solutions that preserve the >>>>>>>>> existing housing in that area, which is already some of the most >>>>>>>>> diverse and affordable in town, while complying with the letter of >>>>>>>>> the law. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> For example, it’s my understanding the that the RLF (owner of the >>>>>>>>> Mall at Lincoln Station) may be considering options to redevelop the >>>>>>>>> Mall to include mixed use space, including housing. I think that >>>>>>>>> kind of thing would be an ideal way to both provide increased traffic >>>>>>>>> for businesses in the area, encourage use of the commuter rail, and >>>>>>>>> support the RLF, as well as comply with the HCA. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> If I am elected, I will do my best to find such creative solutions, >>>>>>>>> always in consultation with my neighbors near Lincoln Station, as >>>>>>>>> well as the rest of the town. I will only support approaches that a >>>>>>>>> rational, real-world analysis shows will likely achieve their goals >>>>>>>>> and benefit the town. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I might also point out that the HCA’s one-size-fits-all approach to >>>>>>>>> promoting high density housing ignores the fact that, here in >>>>>>>>> Lincoln, about 35% of our housing units are already multi-family (not >>>>>>>>> counting Hanscom). So it’s not like we are NIMBY’s trying to keep >>>>>>>>> out the masses. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Best regards, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Mark >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> From: Chris McCarthy <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> >>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2023 11:43 AM >>>>>>>>> To: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>>>>>>>> Cc: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] My Candidacy for the Lincoln Planning Board >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Mark, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> As a candidate for the Planning Board, would you kindly provide your >>>>>>>>> position on the MBTA Communities Act? It has the potential to mandate >>>>>>>>> zoning changes in town and the AG recently clarified >>>>>>>>> <https://commonwealthmagazine.org/housing/campbell-warns-municipalities-mbta-zoning-law-not-optional/> >>>>>>>>> that compliance is not optional. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Thank you, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Chris McCarthy >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> 41 Greenridge Ln. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Tue, Feb 21, 2023 at 8:02 AM Mark Levinson >>>>>>>>> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> >>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I am pleased to announce my candidacy for one of the two open seats >>>>>>>>> on the Lincoln Planning Board. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I have lived near Lincoln Station for almost 25 years and have been >>>>>>>>> active in issues affecting our neighborhood and the town. I have >>>>>>>>> served as one of two Neighborhood Liaisons to the Planning Board and >>>>>>>>> its South Lincoln Planning Advisory Committee (SLPAC). >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I have also been committed to environmental issues, and volunteered >>>>>>>>> for many years for the Sudbury Valley Trustees, a very active and >>>>>>>>> successful land conservation organization. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I think that town planning is a key factor in allowing Lincoln to >>>>>>>>> navigate current and future challenges, while preserving the >>>>>>>>> character of the town and our wonderful quality of life. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I believe I share the goals of many Lincolnites for our neighborhood >>>>>>>>> and our town: viability of local businesses, diversity, encouraging >>>>>>>>> use of public transportation, and generally doing what we can to >>>>>>>>> fight climate change, while maintaining the rural character of our >>>>>>>>> town. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I will represent the views and opinions of all Lincoln residents, not >>>>>>>>> only those of my neighborhood. I will do my best to be open-minded, >>>>>>>>> always considering the facts and likely outcomes of any course of >>>>>>>>> action, knowing that actions to promote one goal may sometimes >>>>>>>>> produce adverse consequences for others. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I ask for your support on election day, Monday, March 27. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Thank you and best regards, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Mark Levinson >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> 8 Ridge Road, Lincoln >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected] >>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>>>>> 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 [email protected] >>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>>>>> 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 [email protected] >>>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>>>>> 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 [email protected] >>>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>>>> 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 [email protected] >>>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>>> 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 [email protected] >>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]>. >>>>>> 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 [email protected] >> <mailto:[email protected]>. >> 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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