Massachusetts Vision Zero Coalition

Evandro Carvalho

Yes, we need both more affordable housing and that it be built in ways that have net zero emissions and programs be done to retrofit existing housing to conserve energy.
Transportation is key for people to get to work, but we need to increase the use of buses (including dedicated bus lanes on major neighborhood streets), bike lanes, and the MBTA subways. We need to get buses with the least emissions damage.
Doing our share for climate means defining it as being something that all city policies should have to indicate how they are contributing to meeting the city's climate goals.

Leonard Lee

I see these issues through the lens of equity. They are all connected because together they contribute to quality of life for all residents. I will support and fight for policies that connect these issues and improve living conditions. For example, smart development connects housing to transportation hubs which in turn lessens gas emissions.

Troy Smith

Housing, Transportation and Climate are major issues which require a team effort in re-educating those who are unaware of the immediate effects to quality of life for all. Housing must be affordable and equitable for all regardless of race, sexual orientation and financial limitations. Transportation has to be accessible for all citizens and must be affordable to the point those who are living below poverty are able to make it to their respective jobs. Climate is greatly effected by eliminating our green spaces which acts a natural filter.

Josette Williams

All are inextricably linked.Transportation is a major factor in job access; reliable/affordable transportation between quality homes and work is essential. Solutions must include climate justice. Transportation must include dedicated bus lanes/free transit/regulating traffic flow/city-wide cycling infrastructure/improved pedestrian safety.Include additional greenspace, particularly in D4 which has been a sacrifice zone, in roadway improvements. Locate housing programs, including on vacant lots, near public transportation. Promote policy within CH focused on the voice of advocacy groups.

Evandro Carvalho

By installing dedicated bus lanes on major neighborhood streets wide enough to do this. By constructing turn arounds for buses on roads to enable this and meeting schedules better.
By using city seats on the MBTA Advisory Board to influence MBTA policies.

Leonard Lee

I would use federal stimulus dollars to increase bus service to neighborhoods that are most in need. I support the $15 million in House appropriations for the Roxbury multimodal project which Rep. Ayanna Pressley recently secured. If approved by the Senate and signed into law by Pres. Biden, the project will improve the layout of sidewalks, bike-lanes, vehicle traffic and bus lanes. This can serve as a model.

Troy Smith

All major road construction would be performed off peak hours and if needed during the night time hours providing greater accessibility to make the necessary repairs to keep overall traffic and operation of buses flows freely.

Josette Williams

• Dedicated bus lanes
• Free bus service
• Delivery truck set asides
• Late night T service
• Tax on call rides
• Painted or clearly defined cross walks
• As appropriate, off peak truck delivery
• Restrict truck routes

Evandro Carvalho

I would work with other City Councilors and the Mayor to meet with the Secretary of Transportation, the General Manager of the MBTA on this governance issue and Boston representation. I will ask our Boston legislative delegation to be active in this effort with us.

Leonard Lee

Yes. I would join my fellow councillors in fighting for a seat on the board. I would strongly advocate for a renewal of the Board.

Troy Smith

Yes, every organization performs greater with a body of governance which will assist as well as hold accountable. I would advocate for a new board of governance and a seat to ensure the City of Boston is well informed and the concerns of the City are heard and addressed.

Josette Williams

It is very surprising that the FMCB is sunsetting and as of now the Governor has indicated he will not extend it. I would advocate as a City Councillor to “bully pulpit” for its reestablishment or a similar body. The City must have representation. I would also push for a City Council resolution that the City appoint a representative to attend every public meeting of the MBTA advocating for the city's needs. I would also push for state legislation expanding the T Board to include representatives from the major communities served by the T.

Evandro Carvalho

By working with other City Councilors to hold the Mayor and Transportation Department accountable through hearings and if necessary holding up approval of the annual city budget.

Leonard Lee

I would set deadlines that are tied to the funding of these projects.

Troy Smith

Review the plans in greater detail taking notes as to what has changed and what needs to be changed to implement both short and long term project goals to ensure completion before or on January 1, 2030.

Josette Williams

The Go Boston 2030 plan was an extraordinary effort which included many constituencies.The 4 strategic categories are specifically set forth in the plan and would be transformative for District 4 and the City as a whole. The key to implementation is funding, community engagement and oversight of progress. We must continue to lobby for the funding from the State and federal governments. As the infrastructure proposals work their way through Congress ,we need to be sure that Boston gets an appropriate allocation to keep moving forward. In the meantime, there are many short term, not terribly costly, projects that could have a terrific return in terms of safety and livability. We have seen in parts of the City that crosswalk improvements, restripping of roadways, adding dedicated bicycle lanes etc can be accomplished. I will advocate for their inclusion in the City budgeting process.

Evandro Carvalho

Through organizing neighborhood meetings of residents and small businesses to talk through these plans along with the City’s Transportation Department to find consensus but give priority to climate and transit friendly policies.

Leonard Lee

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the nature of parking in business districts and encouraged some residents to walk or bike instead of taking the subway or bus. I would work with community based businesses and neighborhood groups to build support for spaces where people can walk or bike.

Troy Smith

I encourage Transportation Dept. to conduct as many Community meetings in advance of actual start dates to answer questions and address concerns and fears. Especially when major changes are about to drastically effect what people have always lived in a certain manner and now must adjust to new ways of living.

Josette Williams

Improving walking and biking safety in the city is essential and might well require a reduction in parking spaces. However, small businesses, the life blood of the city, may require spaces for delivery of supplies and parking for take out and customers. A balance is needed and most likely achieved by bringing together the two “groups” and hearing others’ points of view. We have seen during COVID that restaurants have taken over sections of streets and it has worked well. We have, as a result, a new way of thinking about shared space.

Evandro Carvalho

I think we need to study increasing the affordability percentages at least in some areas since Somerville and Cambridge are now at 20%. I think both choices are great choices. Though in the 12 unit building, we get a higher percentage of affordable units, the 60 unit building we get more affordable units built. My support would also depend on the voice and input of the abbutters, the neighborhood, and the general character of the community. I would also push more and more for homeownership, as that is one of key ways for us to eliminate the wealth gap.

Leonard Lee

There is an affordable housing crisis in Boston and other major cities . I support a rate of 33% to make the project financially feasible and provide access to more affordable units.

Troy Smith

I am 100% in support of a 12 unit building with 50% affordable units. My reasoning is we in the City of Boston have allowed developers too much growth with yet too many people homeless or about to evicted is speaking to the fact there is not enough affordable and income restricted housing within the our City. I do not want Boston to have all of these high risers vacant be in the Seaport or District Neighborhoods as a result of families not being able to meet the financial demands to pay rent or eat.

Josette Williams

In the abstract, the math dictates choosing the 60 unit project. But many other considerations must be taken into account. Location; proximity to transportation; number of other large scale projects in the area; character of neighborhood.
The broader question is what is the right percentage that adds more affordable housing but doesn’t turn away developers. I have previously taken the position that the percentage be doubled and look again at the applicability to projects with fewer than 10 units. In addition, we should reconsider the developer’s ability to buy out the obligation or place the required units off site.

Evandro Carvalho

I would work to create a task force of people from appropriate city departments, non-profit developers, for profit developers, contractors, unions, civic association, other city councilors to examine current practices and what can be done to reform them so there’s a better process and time scale for these decisions.

Leonard Lee

I support Governor Baker's plan to pump millions of state and federal stimulus dollars to build new owner occupied homes for below-market rate sales in Boston.

Troy Smith

Encourage Neighborhood organizations to purchase the land within their respective neighborhoods. Create a comprehensive first time home buyers program and provide selected mortgage lenders and banks and local contractors to build the homes as agreed designs have been preapproved. Create a system that is one stop, shop and local for each neighborhood.

Josette Williams

The City must streamline the process and give housing a priority in getting through city agencies. Perhaps a one stop housing office that would draw from the constituent departments would be helpful. Further the zoning code must be amended to speed up the process by creating as of right projects or those with limited review, based upon an updated zoning code that sets out community accepted standards.

Evandro Carvalho

Increasing percent of affordability under the IDP policy. Increase funding for outreach to tenants on their rights. Fund Greater Boston Legal Services so more tenants can be represented in court to prevent evictions.
Fund tenants groups like City Life, Chinese Progressive Association to enable more tenants to get organized so they can negotiate on rent increases.
Increase funding for the city’s rent subsidy program utilizing the major American Rescue Plan Act funding the city is getting.

Leonard Lee

I support the City of Boston Emergency Rental and Mortgage Program and the Rental Relief Fund. I also support the Housing Stability Notification Act.

Troy Smith

No answer

Josette Williams

Unfortunately, the City is under the thumb of the Legislature in many unnecessary areas. Housing displacement protection is one area. The BHA has created a project based housing voucher program funded by the City. We recommend expansion of the program as well as the Tenant Based Voucher Program. Home Base, a non profit organization, now partners with the BHA to reduce evictions to maintain tenant stability. I would explore expanding that relationship. In addition, the City can work with landlords to pressure tham o accommodate tenants in crisis and perhaps use the power of the City if necessary- the carrot and stick approach. An effort could be made to get state legislation under a home rule petition to broaden the city's authority.

Evandro Carvalho

I would try to bring together residents, civic associations, non-profit and for profit developers, city department representatives in a task force to examine these important issues and make recommendations for changes in policies and ordinances.

Leonard Lee

I would advocate for alternatives to parking spaces such as bike racks and rental cars such as Zipcar.

Troy Smith

I am firm in belief the more information shared with residents, along with precise plans of construction with graphics and transparency will gain community support greater than an elected official just endorsing the project. Developers must convince all stakeholders the benefit beyond the Contractors financial gain.

Josette Williams

Each project is unique and impacts its community in unique ways. One size does not fit all. Each element, housing, parking, open space, and environment must be considered. The highest preference is to housing, but it must be balanced with the other elements. Parking is essential for access to jobs if the project is not near quality public transportation. Green space is essential to quality of life, and community peace and safety.
As for opposition, different people have different points of view and are impacted differently. A key to finding a balance among priorities is to provide opportunities for people to hear and listen to different points of view. Balance often means compromise. At some point the permit granting authority must be the final arbiter after a decent respectful exchange.