GOALS
I will work for:
A greener Natick by advocating for:
- Green industries: This is an excellent use for our industrial space, bringing environmentally responsible jobs to Natick. The Green Communities Act provides incentives for communities like Natick to do so.
- Preservation of open space and the creation of new walking/bike trails: As new projects are proposed, I will work with developers to obtain easements to expand Natick's current trail system.
- Encourage the use of native species: I will continue my efforts to see that they are given priority over other plantings so that landscaping proposed on plans submitted to the Planning Board blends in with the natural beauty of Natick.
Affordable housing: This provides more of our neighbors with the ability to afford to live in Natick. In addition, by keeping our affordable housing inventory above the state-mandated level, we are able to fend off 40B developments and see that development decisions are made at the local level.
Natick Center/Downtown: We need to consider zoning changes that allow downtown Natick to continue to attract businesses that can make use of currently underutilized industrial zones and bring more jobs and revenue to downtown.
Planning with traffic and safety in mind: Traffic both through and within Natick calls for particular attention. I will advocate for traffic flow and parking improvements that will mean congestion relief and safer conditions.
ACTIVITIES TO DATE
During my term on the Planning Board I have participated in reviewing and shaping decisions for several important projects, including:
Hess Station (Route 9 Eastbound)
Mary Ann Morse Nursing Home
During discussions about both of these projects, neighbors voiced strong concerns in regard to aspects of the plans. I focused on neighbors' issues and worked with the applicants to get these issues resolved. As a result of the Board's intervention, Hess agreed to modify their hours of operation, and Mary Ann Morse Nursing Home agreed to install a wide band of various native plants to screen the view of their addition.
Natick Paperboard housing development
This project provides housing that is near public transportation and near Natick Center, helping to revitalize downtown while redeveloping a brownfields site at the gateway to downtown. Approval of this 40R "Smart Growth" project - the first in the state - means an increase in our affordable housing inventory, as well as an award from the state of an additional $820,000 of reimbursement toward the construction costs for the proposed Natick High School.
Protection of "Historic Downtown"
Most residents don't know it, but many cell phone antennae are mounted on the top of the historic Odd Fellows building across from the Common on South Main Street. A recent applicant requested another installation that did not fit with the historic nature of the building and the historic district surrounding it. We worked with the Historical Commission and the applicant to develop an alternative mounting plan that would be aesthetically appropriate.
