Accomplishments and Challenges
Serving on the Select Board is not a solo act. It requires conversation, collegiality and consensus. With that in mind, credit for this list goes to the 5-member board on which I’ve served since 2020.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
We backed up Brookline’s commitment to climate change goals by adding ground source heat pump technology to the Driscoll School project.
We committed to an ongoing partnership with the Brookline Housing Authority to seek funds to improve the conditions of BHA units.
We completed the purchase of the Newbury parcel on Fisher Hill and won voter approval of the Community Preservation Act – good investments in Brookline’s future.
With Town Meeting approval, we recouped the costs of three Town-purchased townhouses on Oak Street by offering them for sale.
Our Treasurer borrowed millions for school projects at record low interest rates.
As part of Covid relief efforts we appropriated funds for the Brookline Safety Net and Brookline Food Pantry as well as the BHA.
We hired Town Administrator Chas Carey and retained Deputy Town Administrator Melissa Goff and maintained Brookline’s tradition of excellence in leadership in all Town departments.
We completed the ARPA process. Notable grants: Steps to Success, Women Thriving, Black ‘n Brown Club, Food Pantry, Teen Center. Chamber of Commerce.
We backed the successful debt exclusion ballot question for repair of fire stations.
Through the Transportation Board, we launched the Vision Zero process for achieving zero traffic-related deaths.
We launched the SB’s practice of in-depth meetings dedicated to discussing the budget and broader town priorities.
Brookline passed its largest rezoning plan and became one of the first ten communities to receive access to a fossil-fuel-free building code.
14. We welcomed the Turkeys Around Town project!
15. We launched the Expenses and Revenies Study Committee process in order to explore solutions to persistent Town and School budget gaps.
Challenges (to name a few)
Steer the Chestnut Hill West project to a successful 2/3 vote at Town Meeting by balancing revenue needs and project feasibility with respect for neighborhood preservation.
Close Brookline’s FY27 budget gaps (Town and School) either through override proposals or revenue initiatives or austerity or “some of the above or all of the above."
Use the expertise of the Housing Advisory Board, CDC, BHA, Community Preservation Act Committee, and advocacy groups to grow housing — public and private, all-affordable or with affordable minimums.
Arrive at a community consensus on the opportunity created by the Fisher Hill West campus acquisition.
Expand upon Brookline’s sustainability initiatives, including rooftop solar, and our accelerated Pavement Improvement Program, including multi-modal safety initiatives.
