Massachusetts Vision Zero Coalition

Michael Bianchi

In order for our cities to run more smoothly we need to work these issues hand in hand. In Allston some housing buildings do not have recycling options as well as no real green space. As a city wide issue our public transportation carbon footprint has got better but the work is not done and we could do better. If elected for an example of what I would do to help these issues and align them would be to work closely with public transportation and housing departments to make sure we have recycling options near the bus stops, especially stops near these building.

Liz Breadon

These three issues are at the top of my agenda. In this wave of housing development we need to support it by reliable mass transit systems to decrease CO2 emissions. As new industries come into my district I am advocating for mixed income housing, decreased parking ratios and robust transit system to that workers can commute locally. These 3 issues need to integrated in a planning strategy for the city and not in isolation. I am advocating for a master plan for district 9 to address these issues holistically.

Sarah Iwany

During my time in the Allston Civic Association, I have advocated for less parking for new developments near transit. I don't believe that any new building needs a 1:1 parking ratio in a city, particularly in Allston and Brighton, with our proximity to the B line, multiple bus routes, and the Boston Landing commuter tail stop. As city councilor, I would also pressure new developments to commit to solar power and other sources of renewable energy.

Eric Porter

The City Councilor acts as an advocate for the residents and helps serve these constituents by connecting them to resources, services, and City departments. Transportation, housing, and climate issues are 3 separate issues. As one of the larger combined neighborhoods of Boston every section of Allston-Brighton has varying needs for focus on one and/or all three of these aspects. By listening to the wants of the residents, the City Councilor can act on their behalf appropriately.

Michael Bianchi

Although we have designated bus and bike lanes already in place for accelerated bus services, we also need to continue to designated more space but also coordinate with both city and MBTA to develop new inclusive ideas to address the infrastructure but also utilize the space and smaller spaces in innovative ways.

Liz Breadon

I support increasing dedicated bus and bike lanes and bus priority at traffic lights to accelerate bus service.

Sarah Iwany

The recent bus lane on Brighton Avenue in Allston is a great example of how street design can give priority to public transit, in this case the 57 and 57A buses, as opposed to cars. Other ways to accelerate bus service infrastructure would be to continue the bus lane for the 57 along Commonwealth Avenue from Kenmore to Packard's Corner. Ideally the stretch between Union Square and Brighton Center would also have bus priority though I'm not sure the street width there could accommodate another lane unless street parking was removed, which I would be in favor of.

Eric Porter

Obviously many very smart people have been working on these issues for decades. For anyone to answer this question honestly, they would have to review the extensive amount of internal reports that have been written to fully understand the constraints. As City Councilor I would review these materials and discuss with MBTA and City and act on the behalf of the residents. Possibly more importantly, it may require sharing the constraints with the residents so that not only an reasonable understanding can be established but also a collective intelligence can create new ideas. This is the roll of the City Councilor as I see it.

Michael Bianchi

I will advocate for the MBTA to get a new governance board and a seat on it for the City of Boston because the livelihood of a lot of Bostonians depends on it. The MBTA services a large population of Boston and it can effect our accessibility . We need a seat on the board because we need to advocate and represent the effects of their decisions. I will attend all meetings, research and promote why we need a new governance board for the MBTA.

Liz Breadon

I will advocate for an MBTA governance board that includes MBTA riders, and City of Boston certainly needs to have a seat at the table. I will continue to work with the Boston delegation to the statehouse to ensure that Boston has the appropriate level of representation on any MBTA decision making body.

Sarah Iwany

I would advocate for a version of the FMCB with more representation of your average commuter. The current FMCB comprises of people with lots of government and/or public transit experience however they've tended to ignore the plights of the everyday commuter over the past few years between fare hikes, service cuts, and notable derailments. Adding the voices of people who actually ride the T daily would add an extraordinary perspective to the FMCB as it currently stands. Monica Tibbits-Nutt does a good job of advocating for MBTA riders but adding more voices would tips the scales.

Eric Porter

This question seems to be outside the roll of a City Councilor, but possibly not the City Council as a group. It is a matter that I would look forward to speaking with other Councilors on.

Michael Bianchi

I will ensure that these projects are overseen to ensure efficiency. As a former operations manager meeting deadlines are a priority, allocating the time will play a major role to ensure the timeline is staying ahead. Working with the different contract holders and other agencies collectively will help with project deadlines as well.

Liz Breadon

I will continue to support the GO Boston Plan in the budget. The BPTD budget has just been increased for personnel and capital projects in order to expedite implementation of projects to improve road safety.

Sarah Iwany

Only one of the twenty-six is partially located in Allston. The bike lanes in question took over three years to complete. I personally reached out to MassDOT on numerous occasions over those three years asking them why this project was taking so long. My hope for Allston/Brighton is that the city of Boston plans to improve more roads in the neighborhood for bicycle safety.

Eric Porter

As someone who rides a bicycle for functional purposes (rather than recreational) everyday, I am very committed to the Bike Corridors across the city. Since I am an active cyclist, I obviously would be dedicated to the ensuring of these projects. By following the planned schedules and holding the those implementing the projects accountable is the best way to ensure the fruition.

Michael Bianchi

This is always a concern especially in an urban areas, it effects local business among other things. Narrowing the streets creates congestion and this is what the opposition often is relating too . We need to be inclusive and mindful of issues are caused by narrowing streets and eliminating space. We need to work towards reducing our carbon footprint and relying less on personal vehicles but also work on a fair plan that includes other modes of transportation.

Liz Breadon

This is a real issue in District 9 with real needs on all sides. Older residents and families who rely on cars are generally more resistant to change. We will continue to engage the community in conversations about the importance of improving road safety for everyone, pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

Sarah Iwany

The implementation of space for outdoor dining in light of the pandemic has, in my opinion, demonstrated the need for more space for people while decreasing street parking. In particular, Commonwealth Avenue in Allston and Brighton has carriageways that are almost entirely used for parking currently. Turning those carriageways into open space for cyclists and pedestrians would give Comm Ave a new life. Adding more trees and green space would help create shade to deal with our increasingly hot summers and additionally provide our local pollinators, birds, and other urban wildlife a place to live.

Eric Porter

Every project is case by case and would need to be examined closely to weigh safety versus convenience. But for a City Councilor to contradict the opposition of the local constituents would grossly fall outside the job description, and I would not consider that representative government.

Michael Bianchi

I agree with with larger developments having a higher IDP, we should work on increasing the percentage but also the number of units.

Liz Breadon

During my tenure in District 9 we have been successful in achieving IDP percentages of 17-20% in larger projects and 15% in smaller projects. The IDP policy alone is not adequate to deliver the level of affordable housing that we need to address our current housing crisis, it is one tool. Smaller projects generally cannot deliver a higher percentage of affordable units. Density is a real concern so we evaluate each project based on its context. Other community benefits are also considered when supporting a particular project such as greenspace, family size units, set backs , artists units, as well as contributions to transit management.

Sarah Iwany

In this case, I would prefer the 60 unit building as it creates 12 affordable units versus the 6 affordable units in the smaller building. Density is necessary for this city to accommodate its growing number of students and younger people while not displacing long-time residents. I would push for an increase from 13% IDP but arguably more importantly, I would lower the AMI restrictions for affordable housing. As it currently stands in Boston, it is far more affordable to live in an older apartment with roommates than it would be to rent an "affordable" apartment at 70% AMI.

Eric Porter

There are many other factors that come into play such as the zoning districts, and most importantly the neighborhood/residents feedback. A Councilor is meant to be a representative.

Michael Bianchi

We need to work closely with developers to ensure timeline and deadlines and we have to revise our zoning laws to maximize our space usage.

Liz Breadon

Developers whose projects advance more quickly in District 9 came and talked to the neighborhood about their project before they finalized their project, receiving a lot of input ahead of time so that a significant proportion of the community was already on board before they came to the table. I would recommend that developers consult with the community. We also need to prioritize building more housing that is targeted at a middle income market rather than the luxury market because that is what communities need and will support.

Sarah Iwany

No answer

Eric Porter

Allston-Brighton has already contributed more than 11,000+ of this 69,000 units. Now that we are post Covid-19, we may need to re-examine that 69,000 number. A 4-5% growth rate over 10+ solid years in a state the only grows .5% annually might not be achievable. The permitting process is not lengthy, it is the request for variances that is more time intensive. Boston is a historic town and consideration for protection should be required. Would we want to the the Boston Common turned into housing over night or the Brownstones bulldozed while no one had a chance to object?

Michael Bianchi

We need to use all tools, knowledge and assets to ensure that no family ever gets displace from their home. Most families have been hear for generations and are being displaced on a disproportionate rate and this is why I am running to protect our community and its families.

Liz Breadon

I support a condo conversion ordinance which requires owners to give first right of refusal to tenants, notice of 1 year or 5 years for elderly and disabled residents, and a relocation fund.

Sarah Iwany

No answer

Eric Porter

No answer

Michael Bianchi

Studies have shown that parking spaces reduce the number of units which causes unit prices to go up. We should be looking at more economical ways to create parking spaces and still maintain units. For example underground parking and allowing extra stories to be built so the number of units are not affected.

Liz Breadon

Balancing those priorities is key and I support engaging the community in the conversation. When we reduce parking spaces we need ensure there is access to rideshare / carshare services, restrict access to residential parking for residents in those buildings, ensure an infrastructure that supports use of pubic transit with real time notice of next arrival, as well as onsite bike storage and repair. I support a district investment fund with linked money to improve mass transit and bicycle infrastructure.

Sarah Iwany

In proposed developments near public transit, there is no need for a 1:1 parking ratio. Less than half of the current Allston/Brighton population owns a vehicle. In public meetings I have voiced that new developments need to limit their proposed parking.

Eric Porter

A City Councilor acts as a liaison with a new housing development, the City and the residents. The City Councilor's job is NOT to contradict community opposition, in spite of their own feelings or the feelings of an outside activist group.