Executive Summary
On October 16, 2026, the Boston City Council Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation held a public confirmation hearing on ten mayoral appointments and reappointments to the Boston Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA). Chaired by Councilor Sharon Durkan alongside Councilors Erin Murphy and Edward Flynn, the committee heard testimony from two panels consisting of seven reappointments and three new alternate appointments. Nominees detailed their civic backgrounds, professional experience, and approaches to addressing Boston's complex zoning code, housing production, climate resilience, and equitable neighborhood engagement. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee planned to advance the dockets for a vote at an upcoming City Council meeting.
Opening Remarks and Call of Dockets (Dockets 1515-1524)
- Committee Chair Sharon Durkan called the hearing to order at 10:02 a.m., noting that the matters were sponsored by Mayor Michelle Wu and referred to the committee on August 5, 2026.
- Chair Durkan and Councilors Erin Murphy and Edward Flynn delivered opening statements regarding the critical role of the Zoning Board of Appeal in navigating Boston's complex zoning code and balancing neighborhood preservation with housing growth.
- Attendance recorded at the start of the hearing: Chair Sharon Durkan and Councilor Erin Murphy; Councilor Edward Flynn arrived shortly after the call to order.
Reappointments to the Zoning Board of Appeal (Dockets 1515-1521)
- Confirmation of reappointment of seven returning members and alternates to the Zoning Board of Appeal considered together as a panel:
- Confirmation of the reappointment of Giovanny Valencia as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeal for a term expiring May 1, 2027 (Docket 1515).
- Confirmation of the reappointment of Katie Whewell as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term expiring May 1, 2027 (Docket 1516).
- Confirmation of the reappointment of Alan E. Langham as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term expiring May 1, 2028 (Docket 1517).
- Confirmation of the reappointment of Sherry Dong as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeal for a term expiring May 1, 2029 (Docket 1518).
- Confirmation of the reappointment of Shamaiah Turner as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeal for a term expiring May 1, 2029 (Docket 1519).
- Confirmation of the reappointment of Jeanne Pinado as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeal for a term expiring May 1, 2027 (Docket 1520).
- Confirmation of the reappointment of David Collins as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term expiring May 1, 2028 (Docket 1521).
- Member Shamaiah Turner was absent due to a family bereavement; Chair Durkan read a written statement on her behalf into the record affirming her interest in continued service.
- Giovanny Valencia highlighted his 20-year background as an architect and community organizer, reviewing approximately 1,000 cases per year over four years of service on the board.
- Katie Whewell noted her eight years of municipal planning experience as Deputy Director of Planning and Development for the City of Newton and emphasized transparent decision-making.
- Alan Langham shared his background as a 40-year member and retired labor leader with LiUNA Local 22, as well as his community mentorship with Boston youth.
- Sherry Dong noted her 30 years of public and community health service in Boston and Chinatown, serving on the board since 2021.
- Jeanne Pinado discussed her tenure since 2020 on the board, previous 21-year career as CEO of Madison Park Development Corporation, and current work in commercial real estate facilitating affordable housing developments.
- David Collins noted his lifelong residency, background in zoning and permitting, and work on small-scale residential developments.
- Councilors questioned the nominees regarding the deference given to Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Article 80 board approvals, small-scale relief like Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and improving language and translation accessibility for non-English-speaking residents at hearings.
New Appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeal (Dockets 1522-1524)
- Confirmation of appointment of three new alternate members to the Zoning Board of Appeal considered together as a panel:
- Confirmation of the appointment of Carla Monteiro as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term expiring May 1, 2028 (Docket 1522).
- Confirmation of the appointment of Patrick Walsh as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term expiring November 1, 2028 (Docket 1523).
- Confirmation of the appointment of William Masterson as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term expiring May 1, 2029 (Docket 1524).
- Chair Durkan read a letter of recommendation into the record from Thomas S. Gunning, Executive Director of the Building Trades Employers Association, nominating Patrick Walsh under Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, Section 8.
- Patrick Walsh described his experience as Business Manager of Laborers Local 223, service on the MWRA Board of Directors, and familiarity with coastal flooding along Freeport Street and Morrissey Boulevard.
- Carla Monteiro detailed her background as a Dorchester homeowner, social worker, and advocate on the Boston State Hospital Citizens Advisory Committee, emphasizing environmental justice, air quality, and high neighborhood asthma rates.
- William Masterson detailed his corporate background with the Gillette Company, community planning participation in Plan: East Boston, and work directing TreeEastie to expand urban tree canopy.
- Committee members discussed environmental mitigation, air quality, tree pits in sidewalk redevelopments, balancing community and abutter concerns, and the operational duties of alternate members during quorum requirements.
Public Testimony and Adjournment (Dockets 1515-1524)
- Chair Durkan called for public testimony; no members of the public registered or stepped forward to testify.
- Chair Durkan stated the nominations would be moved forward for confirmation at the next City Council meeting.
- The hearing was adjourned.