There is limited space available for development in Boston. Given that, what sort of development should be prioritized, and how will you ensure that this development addresses pressing unmet needs, including affordable and low-income housing?
Mayoral Candidate Responses
Michael Flaherty
As a city, we need to bolster our commitment to affordable mixed-income housing by strengthening current policies, implementing new ones, and imposing a greater level of accountability upon developers and city agencies, including the two new ones that I would establish – Department of Planning and Department of Economic and Workforce Development (DEWD) – to replace the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA). As Mayor, I will increase our supply of affordable housing by making the city’s inclusionary zoning policy part of our zoning code so that it is more efficient and predictable. I also realize that high condo fees are preventing many families from pursuing a unit in the city’s affordable housing program. That’s why I will work with professionals in the legal and real estate industries to explore amending the state’s condominium statute, if necessary, to ensure that high monthly condo fees do not remain a barrier to affordable home ownership.
Thomas Menino
We need to continue the effort to create more housing for people of all incomes. Since the first “Leading The Way” initiative in 2000, the City of Boston has overseen the creation of more than 18,000 new units of housing — 5,000 of which have been affordable, and nearly 9,500 affordable units have been preserved. Over this ten-year period, Boston has benefited from upwards of $5 billion in private and public investment. This year’s Leading The Way III strategy approaches Boston’s housing needs by:
- Addressing the Foreclosure Crisis through targeted initiatives focusing on intervention.
- Reversing the Rise in Homelessness through prevention, placement, and production of permanent housing designed to reduce long-term and family homelessness by 50% by 2012.
- Preserving & Stabilizing Boston’s Rental Housing by preventing the loss of publically assisted affordable units.
- Housing Boston’s Workforce by meeting the diverse housing needs of the City.
We will continue to support mixed income housing development through inclusionary zoning, disposition of city-owned properties and priority projects such as Jackson Square
At-Large City Council Candidate Responses
Felix Arroyo
For too long, Boston has been a city where the “working poor” have not been able to afford to live. I find that unacceptable. The people who work in Boston should be able to afford to live here, too, and I will make it a priority as an elected official to address the shortage of affordable and low-income housing in the city. One of the most straightforward ways to address the problem is to change the formula that is used to determine ‘affordability,’ which presently includes income data for the Greater Boston area, thereby inflating median income figures. If elected, I would move to change the formula.
John Connolly
The following types of development should be prioritized, especially within our neighborhoods:
- Mixed-Use/Mixed-Income: We should prioritize Smartgrowth Development that combines retail and residential uses linked to public transportation that ensures vibrant, diverse, and accessible communities. Our communities should reflect the socio-economic diversity of our city, which is the best way to create stable and sustainable neighborhoods.
- Transit-Oriented: Developments within walking distance of public transportation should be encouraged to reduce the number of automobile trips generated, and the subsequent impact on the community and the environment. On the City Council, I led the effort to bring a shared bike system to Boston.
- Green/Sustainable: All development, no matter what type should have a minimal impact on the environment and be as energy efficient as possible.
As for affordable housing, our priority must be to protect existing affordable units that are scheduled to revert to market-rate under expiring contracts. I will work with city and state agencies, community development corporations, and financial institutions to preserve these units. If we do not protect our existing affordable housing stock, then our efforts to add new units will be rendered moot.
Tomás Gonzalez
Future housing development efforts must be prioritized for individuals and families on the BHA waiting list with a greater emphasis on single room occupancies for men 18-50 and for affordable rental units for single mothers in transition.
Tito Jackson
Increasing the supply of affordable housing through the conversion of existing housing stock is a far more sustainable approach to development than is overbuilding new housing into limited available space. The City of Boston recently made Federal Stimulus funds available to convert unsold foreclosed homes into energy-efficient affordable housing for low-income and homeless families. While sustaining intact communities by keeping residents in their homes is always a first option, when this is not possible, conversions provide an excellent opportunity to develop housing that is more affordable.
As a board member for Heading Home, a group dedicated to transitioning homeless families to permanent housing, I see the needs of low-income families first-hand. As City Councillor At-Large, I would ensure that families most in need of affordable housing get access to these converted properties by connecting effective programs such as the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance to existing City efforts to develop housing.
Andrew Kenneally
In these difficult economic times, the City of Boston’s high costs of living present a greater challenge to our residents more than at any point in recent memory. As an at-large city councilor, my first priority will be to revamp the BRA so that the functions of planning and development may be addressed separately. At present, economic development projects are concentrated in the downtown area and without regard to the creation of housing that is both safe and affordable. As someone with a background in city planning, I know that in order to ensure the creation of more affordable housing, the city will need to work around development goals that are both sustainable and commensurate with the dire needs of neighborhood development and low-income housing projects.
Steve Murphy
I am in support of Transit-oriented development that encourages people to use public transportation to move about the city. And with new development I believe that thirty percent of the units should be dedicated to low income/affordable housing unit.
Ayanna Pressley
The goal is to have development done in manner that is successful – for everyone. I believe it must:
- Be at a pace and in a manner that benefits residents and doesn’t displace them
- Adhere to smart growth principles – mixed use, a range of housing choices, walkable neighborhoods, access to public transportation and use of green design
- Involve active community participation from all members of the community
