Neighbors working together to preserve our neighborhoods.
Planning Board 2024 Candidates
Drawing from factual observations made by numerous participants in meetings and public hearings over recent years, this blog post unveils pivotal insights into the workings of the Millbury Planning Board. While its content may be confronting for some, it will surely strike a chord with others. With many challenges ahead of us, it's time for us, as registered voters, to face reality if we truly desire genuine change. While some may find it uncomfortable, we must be prepared for honest and direct assessments of the board members. It is up to us to elect the change we desire for our community.
Chapter 40B Public Hearing - April 24, 2024
The upcoming public hearing for the proposed Chapter 40B Rice Pond Village project will be hosted by the Millbury Board of Appeals. It is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM. The venue for this event will be at the Millbury Senior Center, situated at 1 River Street in Millbury, Massachusetts. Attending in person is encouraged for maximum participation. However, if you're unable to attend physically, you can join via Zoom using Meeting ID 894 1550 4957.
Unpacking Urban Affordability: Reimagining Land Markets For Inclusive Housing
Patrick Condon’s research, spanning North America, particularly highlights Vancouver’s experience. Despite significant density increases, housing affordability in the city has not improved. Instead, rising land values have made housing increasingly unattainable for average earners. Patrick Condon identifies the root of the problem as not housing prices themselves but the escalating value of urban land, a phenomenon observed not just in Vancouver but across the globe.
The Pitfalls of Local Incumbents: When Representation Fails To Serve
In the realm of local governance, incumbent figures often wield significant influence. They are the experienced hands, familiar with the workings of the system. But what happens when these incumbents falter, failing to meet expectations and disregarding the voices of the residents they're meant to represent? The answer is straightforward: it's time for change.
5 Reasons Why There Isn’t A Housing Shortage
The United States is experiencing declining population growth, with fewer than one million people added in 2021, a slower rate compared to historical events like the Spanish flu pandemic and World War 1. Single-family home permits have plummeted since 2005, dropping by 70% to 400k in 2010. Even in 2020, permits remained low at 1 million. However, analyzing the population growth to new housing permits ratio reveals a concerning trend. The ratio, which ideally should be around 1.5, dipped below this threshold in the mid-2000s and again in 2020, indicating a potential oversupply rather than a shortage.
Balancing Development: Prioritizing Residents and Sustainability In Town Planning
Bypassing zoning bylaws can lead to shoddy design and construction, putting residents at risk. Environmental regulations are there for a reason – waiving them can lead to lasting damage to the local ecosystem, impacting air and water quality. Increased density without proper infrastructure upgrades can overwhelm schools, roads, and utilities, leading to longer commutes, crowded classrooms, and strained resources. Unrestricted development can also erase the very things that make a town unique – its historical buildings, charming neighborhoods, and established character. All of a sudden, the town residents might find themselves living in a generic sprawl instead of the community they cherished.