Introduction

The city recently voted to completely change zoning city-wide. It allowed for developments to exceed 6 stories tall, and the proposal referred to this as a change towards “multifamily zoning.” Multifamily zoning is something a lot of residents, including myself, supported. We wanted parents to be able to divide their house into a two-family home to keep their children close, or senior residents to downsize while aging in place by building ADUs, accessory dwelling units, and other changes as such. Many believed multifamily zoning would create family homes with multiple units, not 82-unit apartment buildings with party rooftop spaces right across from the library. The zoning is by right, which means developers do not need to receive input from neighbors before proceeding with construction. I have already attended a meeting where the developer said neighbors may need to wear a hard hat when using their easement. Can you imagine needing to wear a hard hat to walk to YOUR home on YOUR path that YOU have legal access to?

I have talked to several councilors who are unhappy with some of the results of the zoning. It was passed with a promise for affordable housing, but now the same councilors who made that claim are suggesting decreasing the required percentage of affordable housing in these developments. Why change the zoning if it doesn’t help keep people in Cambridge, especially while the cost of housing continues to increase?

This election, changing the zoning isn’t the only thing on the line. Affordable housing is as well. We need reasonable projects that increase housing, not big projects that knock down multifamily homes to put in luxury apartments by foreign investors. Here are some of my housing values.

Support for Current & Future Homeowners

In Cambridge, stability begins at home. I believe we must protect the rights of longtime homeowners who have invested in our city and want to remain here. At the same time, we must open new paths to ownership for working families who are being priced out of the very community they serve. Too often, homeownership is treated as a luxury rather than a tool for long-term economic security and civic engagement. I support policies that preserve single- and two-family homes, while also exploring thoughtful zoning reforms that increase ownership opportunities without displacing current residents. This means promoting homeownership models that work, such as limited equity co-ops, land trusts, and first-time buyer assistance. We should reward those who want to put down roots in Cambridge, not push them out. A balanced approach to housing policy ensures that Cambridge remains diverse, intergenerational, and invested in its future. Protecting homeowners and expanding access to ownership aren’t opposing goals; they are part of the same vision. I will fight to make homeownership a reality, not just a dream, for more Cambridge families.

Fueling Our Non-profits

As our city grows, one group is being left behind: our non-profits. Non-profits are the backbone of a strong community. From helping preserve the arts to running after-school programming, our non-profits help make Cambridge what it is. This, however, is being threatened as more and more non-profits are facing funding issues that threaten the longevity of their programs. I have talked to leaders at various non-profits in the city, and it’s clear the current system isn’t working.

In the future, there is going to be more development, which means more people in the city. Assuming this will not lead to gentrification, something I hope to avoid, more people will mean more demand for our non-profit spaces. In order to offset the costs of this need, I will bring forward a development fee for large-scale development projects, ranging from 0.1%-1% of the project to be allocated towards the Community Benefits Fund. I have more information regarding this in my blog post, “$20 million is a lot of money.”

Fine Grid Zoning (by listening to residents)

The zoning needs to be changed, period. There is room for thoughtful development in some areas; however, the creation of buildings 6 stories by right with rooftop party spaces with minimal oversight or neighborhood input is not the right way to approach the problem. I am building a team of experts in the area who have offered to serve as mentors if I am elected to work to propose a new zoning code for the city. It won’t be a one-size-fits-all all approach, but one that incorporates resident feedback.