City Council - Planning, Development, and Transportation Committee Hearing on Dockets #1515-1524

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and many more.

For the record, my name is Sharon Durkan, District 8 City Councilor and I'm the chair of the Boston City Council Committee on Planning Development and Transportation. Today is October 16th and the exact time is 10.02 a.m. This hearing is being recorded. It is also being livestreamed at boston.gov backslash city-council-tv and broadcast on Xfinity Channel 8, RCN Channel 82, Fios Channel 964. Written comments may be sent to the committee email at ccc.plandev at boston.gov and will be made part of the record available to all Councillors. Public testimony will be taken at the end of this hearing. individuals will be called on in the order in which they've signed up and they have two minutes to testify if you are interested in testifying in person please add your name to the sign-up sheet near the entrance of the chamber if you were looking to testify virtually please email our central staff liaison shane pack at S H A N E dot PAC at boston.gov for the link and your name will be added to the list today's hearing and excuse me I'm going to be the clerk for a second i have to read all of these

Today's hearing is on docket 1515, message in order for the confirmation of the reappointment of Giovanni Valencia as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeal for a term expiring May 1, 2027. Docket 1516. Message in order for the confirmation of the reappointment of Katie Whewell as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term expiring May 1, 2027. Docket 1517, message in order for the 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 Message in order for the confirmation of the reappointment of Sherry Dong as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeal for a term expiring May 1, 2029. Docket 1519, message in order for the confirmation of the reappointment of Shamaya Turner as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeal for a term expiring May 1, 2029.

Docket 1520, message in order for the confirmation of the re-appointment of Jean Pinado as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeal for a term expiring May 1, 2027. Docket 1521, message in order for the 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 1522. Message in order for the 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 Message in order for the 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 1524, message in order for the confirmation of the appointment of William Masterson as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term expiring May 1, 2029. These matters were sponsored by Michelle Wu and referred to the committee on August 5th, 2026.

We are joined by my colleagues in order of arrival right now, just Councilor Aaron Murphy. This is one of the most important things that we do As in our committee, as the Planning Development and Transportation Committee, it's a privilege to oversee these nominations to some of the most important boards and commissions. The Zoning Board of Appeal is one of the consequential appointed bodies in Boston It plays a critical role in shaping the future of our city and ensuring we can grow while protecting our past. The Boston zoning code is significantly longer and more complex than other cities of similar size, According to zoning expert Sarah Bronin, it is bloated, outdated, inconsistent and inequitable. And the folks that we have before us today are the folks who have to wade through those tough decisions case by case. As a result, the Zoning Board of Appeals carries significant responsibility in determining when to grant relief through these requirements. and ensuring that these decisions serve the best interest of Boston residents.

Boston, like cities across the country faces urgent challenges that require us to build more housing and address our affordability crisis making our buildings more sustainable and resilient for climate change and protecting residents from displacement. We are here this morning to consider nominations of 10 highly qualified individuals with expertise across planning, development, architecture, construction and historic preservation who have demonstrated commitment and contributions to our city their prior civic engagements, including through serving on what they're being reappointed for. Thank you to all of you for your continued interest in serving our city and to those being reappointed, thank you for your continued service and contributions. It is an honor to serve in this capacity and I look forward to hearing more about what draws you into this work and what informs your philosophy and approach. With that, I'd like to give each nominee an opportunity to introduce themselves and share a bit about their background as we move into questions from counselors. We are going to start with our reappointees and then swap panels to hear from new appointees

Before we do that, I wanted to give Councilor Ann Murphy a chance for an opening statement.

Thank you everyone for being here on this rainy Friday morning. I appreciate you all being here and thank you to the chair for holding this. Like she said, we get appointments to so many different boards and commissions across the city. And it's important that we give you the respect I think also calling in so that you can share with us why the mayor and the administration thought that you would be well suited for these positions. A few of you I do know personally, I know you Sherry from your work at Tufts and in the Chinatown community. Pat and Carla, personally also. Thank you for the work you do in that mental health social workspace labor space it's important but others that I don't know personally. I've read through all the resumes, impressive so just an opening statement before we listen to your comments

I want to begin by recognizing those members of the Zoning Board of Appeal who are being considered for reappointment. Thank you for your continued service to the City of Boston and for the time, commitment, and thoughtful consideration to this important responsibility. I also want to welcome those who are stepping forward to serve for the first time. I appreciate your willingness to take on this responsibility and contribute your time and experience to the city. The Zoning Board of Appeals plays an important role in shaping our neighborhoods, and the decisions made by its members have a direct impact on residents Homeowners, businesses and communities across Boston. And I know this work is not always easy. You're often asked to balance competing interests and make difficult decisions and I appreciate the responsibility that comes with that. Thank you all for being here.

Thank you so much, and we've been joined by Councillor Ed Flynn. He has almost impeccable attendance in this committee, so just thank you for being here again, Councillor Flynn, and I wanted to give you a chance for an opening statement.

Yeah, thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair and to the members of the panel that's here. I apologize for being a few minutes late. I had the opportunity probably to work with a lot of people on the board. I just want to say thank you to you for stepping forward, for the work you're doing. Sometimes I agree with your decision, sometimes I may disagree with your decisions but I respect the work and I think you are a credit to the citizens of the city, to the city itself. And want to say thank you for your leadership in helping build a stronger Boston. I do want to acknowledge, um... I represent District 2 which includes South Boston's at the south end in Chinatown. But I do wanna acknowledge

Incredible work in the community of Sherry Dong and your commitment to the neighborhood, not just in Chinatown but throughout the city, but representing people in need, supporting families. Your credit to the Zoning Board, your credit to Tufts Medical Center and your credit you're a credit to The City of Boston. So just want to say thank you to Sherry but say thank-you to all of the members here and those that will become members. I'm looking forward to supporting all of them. Thank you Madam Chair.

Thank you so much, Councillor Flynn. And just to keep it because there are so many dockets I'm going to go in the order in which the dockets were called even though you guys aren't sitting in that order and what we're gonna do is give each of you an opportunity to share more about your work URL reappointments. So I always like to encourage folks to talk about what brought them to this work, why it's important to them, what roots them in community. But I know a few of you have remarks prepared and for those that don't, feel free to just speak off the cuff to your experience. We're gonna try to keep it to around two minutes but I'm not going to time you So that and then we're going to go to any questions from colleagues. Don't be surprised because we've seen your resumes, we know how qualified you are If we don't have any very specific questions for you in particular, who knows? We might have very specific question for each of you individually. I don't know but don't be surprised if this is your opportunity to share about why you do what you do

So we're gonna start with Giovanni Valencia. And just make sure to bring the mic to you, yeah thank you.

All right, thank you, is this okay?

Yes.

Good morning. Durkan, Goodmorning City Councilors. I am honored to be here before you and to have the opportunity to reaffirm my interest in continuing to serve our city as a member of the Boston zoning Board of Appeal. My name is Giovanni Valencia. I am a proud Colombian American citizen who chose to call the city of Boston my home about 20 years ago. Immigrating to the U.S., I have had the privilege of working as community organizer across many of our neighborhoods, including East Boston, Jamaica Plain Broxbury, South End, High Park and my own neighborhood of West Roxbury. I am also a Boston public school parent of two kids, and my wife works for BPS as a district social worker serving several of our neighborhood schools. I am an architect and a planner by training, in a community organizer by career choice.

For many years, I worked for community development corporations promoting the creation and preservation of affordable housing as well as their rehabilitation of BHA developments. Over the years, I have listened to thousands of residents share their needs, frustrations and hopes to live work and remain in the city of Boston. Having experienced life here as a long-time renter and now as a homeowner, I know firsthand the immense challenges our residents face in finding affordable housing or simply finding housing at all in our city. When I submitted my application in 2022 to the CBA using the city's boards and commissions website, I had no expectations of ever receiving a call back from the administration. But I did, and I'm here.

Because of that, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation to Major Michel Wu for trusting me as a grassroots community member with the responsibility and for reappointing me to serve for an overturned. Over the last four years, I have attended most hearings and reviewed close to 4,000 cases While many of these appeals focus on housing, the zoning board of appeal also reviews conditional uses for local businesses, billboards, labs and medical facilities among other uses. Every proposal is unique and I am confident that my colleagues and I do our best to ensure our city moves forward and becomes more welcoming space for everyone, and for generations to come. Thank you for the opportunity to share my great interest in continuing this work.

Thank you so much, Giovanni. Next we're going to go to Katie Whewell. Katie is my constituent and also works in this work professionally. So thank you, Katie for lending your expertise to the city of Boston.

Thank you. Good morning, councillors. Thank you for your kind words in your opening remarks. It was really nice to hear. My name is Katie Wewell. I currently live in the West End, and I'm the Deputy Director of Planning and Development for the City of Newton. I first became interested in zoning while enrolled in a paralegal course at Boston University. where the last module was real estate law. I remember being fascinated learning about zoning, the built environment and the legal provisions which govern land. I later went back to school for my master's in city planning with the goal of working in municipal government because of how interdisciplinary the work is. The intersection of law, architecture and governance of how decisions made at the local level impact residents has been what has driven my work in identifying a career I enjoy immensely.

My experience at Newton has primarily focused on development review, which has prepared me well for my service on the board. While zoning differs from community to community, I think of zoning as its own language and one I have become well-versed in over eight years. This has helped me understand the framework and nuances of Boston Zoning and the cases before the board. Working in a municipality also aids in my work on the board as I understand the different layers and roles of city departments that can be involved in property, such as planning, inspectional services and assessing. I've served on the board since December 2022. I enjoy using my professional training as a planner to apply my skill set and knowledge to my service on the Board. I review all of the materials associated with an application, and I strive to be fully transparent in my rationale behind my votes to further transparency and accountability.

I enjoy working with my colleagues on the board and I respect them, their dedication and perspective they bring to the board tremendously. I'm happy to answer any questions and thank you for considering my reappointment to the Board.

Thank you so much, Katie. Next we're going to go to Alan Langham.

Good morning. I just want to say good morning to the city officials but I also want to thank the Mayor Michelle Wu for this opportunity. I recently retired as a labor out at Local 22 of North America, more than 40 years of service. I served both the labor as an alternate for more than 25 years as an executive board member and a steward. And I dedicate myself to advocate for workers, helping them navigate company culture in ensuring they feel respectful, supported and valued in their roles. I'm a lifelong resident of Boston. I graduated from Boston Public School System My service reflects an extension involving in youth development, athletic community outreach

I participated in programs to feed meals for the senior citizens and I also coach basketball for a program called No Books, No Balls for more than 10 years. I also coach the Boston Raiders Pop Warner program under the Wilson's family. Coaching football is recognition for his outstanding community involvement and my accomplishment was with the Boston Red Sox organization, I was awarded like a community advocate helping out youth. but I'm also involved in my church. I go to Grant AME Church located at 1906 Washington Street and I did a lot of roles in there, I mean I started a mentor program for young kids because basically I try to help out Mentoring the Youth in Boston. So I just want to say this has been a real wonderful opportunity, just even working with these people here and I'm learning so much about the ZBA

It's very interesting. I was telling somebody just a little while ago, I wish I could have started this journey 30 years ago. You know, it's very interested and I'm learning a lot. And I just want to say thank you guys for trusting me to help this city to the next level.

Thank you so much. Next, we're going to go to Sherry Dong, Madam Chair.

Good morning, everyone. As you know I like to ask others to be pithy so will I. Thank you Chair Durkan, thank you Councilors Flynn and Murphy for having us today. So my name is Sherry Dong of serving on ZBA since 2021. For those who know, I gave birth that Saturday and served that Tuesday so thank you for Zoom and thank you It's an honor for me to serve the city and residents of Boston via ZBA. I've lived in Boston for 30 plus years, in Jamaica Plain, and now in Dorchester, and as folks who know me Chinatown is my cultural home. It's my home away from home. I have a five-year old in BPS who also keeps me in Chinatown, South End and all over the city of Boston all the time. And so as a college student,

on behalf of Chinatown and Boston's Asian community through various internships with the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, Asian American Resource Workshop in Greater Boston Legal Services. I transitioned to Board Service, Public Service in Chinatown, including the Chinese Historical Society of New England, Chinatow Coalition and Chinatoun Neighbor Council and Safety Committees. So I've devoted my career to public and nonprofit service starting with the AG's office in the Civil Rights Division the City of Boston in ONS. Everybody got to start somewhere, right? So Neighborhood Services, Human Resources and Boston Redevelopment Authority have been in community health for the past 20 years All of my experiences have been in constituent services, community engagement and has all led me to

to the ZBA and my service there, and kind of the lenses that I use. So thank you for the time. Thank you for your consideration. Happy to answer questions.

Thank so much, Sherry. Jean Pinado?

Good morning, Councillor Durkan and City Councillors Flynn and Murphy. My name is Jean Pinado. I'm probably the longest serving member. I was appointed in 2020 to the Zoning Board of Appeal At that time, I had just resigned from being CEO of Madison Park Development Corporation for 21 years where we were really focused on I appeared before the ZBA many times in that capacity, probably over a dozen times. as we were developing projects in the neighborhoods. I've lived in Jamaica Plain for over 35 years and raised a family, I'm really proud that my daughter Maya Getter works in the equity cabinet and is really enjoying her work here with the city.

I definitely see the resemblance.

I know all the older people, she knows all the younger people in City Hall. And yeah, I really enjoy this work I've been involved in obviously in development in the city for many years. I now work at Collier's, which is a commercial real estate firm doing selling property and One of the properties I sold recently was in Mattapan Square and it was acquired by a developer, The Preservation for Affordable Housing. And they are building affordable housing in Mattapans so it's nice that My new role at Collier's, I'm able to bring in the affordable housing developers into that world and acquiring properties for that purpose. I really enjoy the work. It's really interesting. We all worked really hard and spent time looking at all of the cases, they are very unique in listening to testimony And I thank you for the reappointment and for your interest in what we do.

Thank you so much. Next, we're going to go to David Collins. Good morning. Oh sorry she needs a mic. Am I on? Oh, yeah. You don't need to touch it. Yeah, you're on.

Now I'm on?

Yes.

Good morning, Councillors. David Collins Lifelong Boston resident from Roslindale, currently raising a family in West Roxbury. I've been on the Zoning Board of Appeal now for three years as an alternate member seeking reappointment Um, background in zoning and permitting. I participate in smaller size developments 10 units and under um in the Roslindale West Roxbury High Park area so i'm very familiar with the nuances of Boston permitting

Thank you so much. And I have a statement that I'm going to read from one of our appointees that is before our committee. I'm just making sure, yes she's a reappointment. Dear Boston City Council, I regret that I am not able to make this hearing on October 16, 2026. Unfortunately, I had a death in my family and the services are held the same day in Richmond, Virginia. I appreciate you allowing me to make a statement on my behalf in this manner. In the past two years it has been my pleasure to serve as a member of the City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeals As a Boston resident, homeowner and card-carrying union sheet metal worker I have been at the center of a complicated intersection of how things get built in the city. I enjoy looking at the facts and considering the real life impacts of my votes I hope that I have been a positive presence on the ZBA.

My main concern has been making sure that residents are heard, that what's being built will best serve the community at large and that more hardworking citizens are able to benefit from the jobs created. Thank you again for giving me the chance to be on the ZBA if you have any further questions for me I would be happy to appear before the City Council at another date Regards, and a lot of us know her, Shamaya Turner, Hyde Park homeowner and resident. She's actually come before our committee before so given that she has had a death in the family I plan to move her nomination forward again She serves with a lot of distinction, and we're really grateful for their work and all that they do. So now we're going to open up This panel, two questions.

And in no particular I would just like anyone who feels moved to answer this particular question to answer And I've asked this question, these are the questions that I've ask basically all of the ZBA nominations since I have gotten this committee. How would you approach zoning variance decisions in high opportunity neighborhoods versus those that have typically experienced disinvestment? What are the conditions that you would approve or disapprove appeals for zoning reliefs that come before the board? Just if anyone feels moved to answer those two questions. Madam Chair? No one wants to say anything.

I mean, for me, I look at each case, case by case. So I don't have a patent answer for you because every case is unique and brings different challenges and opportunities to it. So that's how I would approach it with an open mind.

So it's in your opinion, it's not neighborhood by neighborhood. Like in terms of like opportunities for investing in certain neighborhoods through certain projects?

I mean we certainly have guidance from ISD and from planning. There are different streets and squares, and other initiatives that help guide us so obviously we're informed by those as well.

Okay, anyone else want to answer either of those?

I think it's really dependent on the specific zoning relief they are seeking and other I always look at the context of the neighborhood to make sure it's appropriate for the neighborhood and the public comment that we receive as well, and the recommendations that we also get.

Yeah, I would just add it. And if high opportunity neighborhoods mean sort of downtown or back bay those projects typically are large projects that have gone through a Article 80 process through the planning department and so Zoning is sort of the last stop, but they've already gone through a very lengthy and thoughtful public process. And we look at the variance, but pretty much the city has done in the neighborhood groups typically have already weighed in on those decisions.

Thank you so much, because that actually lends to my last question which is how should the ZBA weigh decisions on projects that have already received BPA board approval? Do you believe that DBA members should ever vote against a project that has been vetted and approved by the Planning Department and Board, and if so under what circumstances? I know there are a couple of examples of this. That's why I'm bringing this up.

Thank you, Councillor. I think for us it's very important to receive the document from the planning department so we can see and read about the process. Some projects have six months, one year, two or three or four years of processing for us is very important to see what happened from the very beginning. Articulated projects are approved when they come to a zoning board Now the planning department provides a recommendation for almost every project that we see, for almost case. The difference I guess and I think is that For us, we have open hearings so we can have more people attending presenting testimony and we hear Sometimes comments that probably community members were not able to present at the planning department hearings. So we have

By the time those cases come to our board, those projects are most likely ready to be approved. But always is useful for us to hear from the community and have more time to review those documents from the planning department, transportation, disabilities communities and give a second look before we approved.

Thank you, Giovanni.

I just want to add a little comment into that. I think every neighborhood should be treated equally and I feel You know, listening to the butters with the neighborhood want. And even if they approve a project sometimes for me, if it's not what the neighborhood wants I might have to go against that judgment and deny their project. And because my thing of it is, there's so much buildings going up in Boston that a lot of these other communities Sometimes get missed. You know, I had a friend before wanted to put up a building and he couldn't do it because he didn't have the requirements and he didn' t know how to do it. So like I said for myself if there's a project that I don't that I think the community needs or that Abudda needs, I normally would vote yes.

Thank you. I know it can feel like a lot of buildings are going up in Boston but based on our budget this year and based on historic low in terms of permits, we're approving a lot of projects right now. And you guys are reviewing a lot projects but those projects aren't always coming to fruition So acknowledging that, I guess for me as a city councilor one thing that I have been ever You know, concerned about is the idea of moving the process. Moving the goalposts from getting BPDA board approval To getting ZBA approval, I find that sometimes people that oppose projects will try to set their sights on the next meeting that is happening which is the ZBA. and often I think in order to level set with residents, it's important to share that like as a city councilor

If something has gone through the VPDA board, I personally don't think it's right to oppose it at ZBA unless there is something that was missed like you were saying in the process which is very rare. So, just my opinion as someone who is going to move your nominations forward is that the planning department should essentially that BPDA board approval should mostly encompass you know all of because it really the BPDA board approval is supposed to have basically all of the city departments have already weighed in so something has gone very wrong if like If you know if essentially people are opposing it once it's going and that's just my opinion, and it's my one chance to tell you that so So I will take my one chance to say that I personally would prefer that the goalposts for folks opposing a project not be moved to the ZBA. And I find that with almost every case

There's a BPDA board approval, and then it goes to ZBA. And there is crazy discussion about whether it should be approved that actually moves the goalposts for us as elected officials because most of the time when you've gotten BPDA board approval, every department at the city has weighed in. We've gone to the scoping session and we've done all this and there are a lot of projects that are on the horizon for permitting. But in terms of a lot going on in Boston right now, I think we're mostly talking about Boston water and sewer work. And definitely there's a lot of construction going on, but it's definitely not housing. And we need to change that. And I think that the ZBA has a role to play In making sure that there is enough housing for our residents and that we're lowering the cost of housing in our city and it's something that I'm extremely, my colleagues know I am extremely passionate about this because as someone who moved here 11 years ago. It has been a struggle to afford rent

I feel really lucky to be in this position, and Boston has given me everything. But I want to make sure the next person who moves here as a young person is able to stay And I think that you all have a real role to play in making sure that we might be in a permitting phrase with the construction costs and interest rates, and just sort of the cost of everything right now. It's super important to me that you know that we're not, at least from my perspective, that you have an important role to play. But especially on these big projects that were letting the planning department and people who do planning Murphy Thank you for your personal

Introductions. It just reassures me even more based off of your resumes that you're all well suited for this position, the work you've done. Just a few questions. As you know and as the members yourself, you probably get the same questions we get as elected officials how communities often feel. And when you mentioned you've been on the board for six years that there has been a shift away from neighborhood associations coming forward. And even if they all oppose or approve a project and also the mayor's office, it definitely has been a shift from ONS not really weighing in just Saying the process happened, maybe referring to the abutters meetings and the outreach that may have occurred or sharing out how many letters they may have received but they never really give their own opinion.

How is that shifted or do you feel there's, that has changed any way that your board moves forward with your approvals or disapproval of projects?

I mean, I think other than Jean and myself, I don't think anyone's experienced anything different. I used to be an ONS so I certainly experience the fact that we in ONS took positions, so that certainly is different but I don't think anyone knows anything, a different way of seeing things. So we take what we get and we incorporate all of that into our decision making. The community process is really important. Listening to the community and abutters in particular are really important and again, you know, planning department ISD like, so it all contributes. And so I know for me it's a little different because I'm used to something different but I think everyone else that's what we've come to expect.

I would say the thing that's changed the most is the amount of information we get from the planning department. In fact, I went to one of the chief planners probably five years ago and said You know, what we get from the planning department back then it was the BPDA is basically the agenda and a list of the variances. And I said, I think you guys can do better at explaining like your recommendations and now we get Three pages for each project and it's a hundred page document. But that didn't happen when I first joined, we got the agenda. And I think this city has done a lot of really good work explaining the rationale, explaining the variances, explaining what they see on the block and why the code doesn't really match the built environment. And so I think that's been the biggest shift and it's been quite helpful.

That's good to know about that information, but also it's not that you have to rubber stamp because I do believe The processes and the steps along the way to get the final approval are there for all good reasons, so I appreciate that you're at the end of that step. If you could just speak quickly on If a project isn't passed, and like I said, I don't always agree but I do respect that the board and there's more than just one vote which I appreciate. What is the developers? Because I do feel like there is a difference between bigger projects Here a lot, just like homeowners who just want to add a bathroom so that their mother can move in and live on the first floor comfortably. And it could be four months before the approval with ISD because they have to go through zoning

If you could just speak to, even just because you're all residents and feel like kind of that balance between your role on ZBA but understanding the frustration where some of these obviously there may be a variance but we're not changing the fabric of a neighborhood. Morphy, I agree with you in

Well, you are mentioning about some cases. I understand that we spent a lot of time reviewing documents for big developments that are going to change and hopefully improve the city But sometimes there are very small cases that I'm wondering why we are spending the constituents' time and our time reviewing small details. For that reason, we have the subcommittee on Thursdays. They review some of those smaller projects and I think the city's working hard, and ISD is working hard to ensure that they reduce the paperwork in the steps especially for small projects. Some residents are trying to build ADUs, accessory dwelling units in Boston And that is supposed to be a fast project. I know this is a new concept for many of us,

and the city is working hard to improve the steps so it gets easier, but I understand that some of those project owners are frustrated because that has been taking so much time for something that is supposed The city is moving in the right direction. I think, I hope that at some time we just focus on projects that are going to really impact the entire city but until then we're happy to review everything that comes to us.

I think as Chair Durkan said at the beginning, we have among the most complicated and thick zoning codes. We see what's before us. We're not the ones changing the code, but that's a process underway with BPD that hopefully will streamline things. They're doing a lot. Plan Downtown, Plan Marapan that are intended to simplify certain things like that you're describing that shouldn't come before us at all and should just be as of right. And so I think that process needs to keep moving forward too to help us see the cases that really need some sort of extra eye on it.

Thank you. I'll add that in my full-time job, I'm much more face to face with residents so I do hear of those struggles to get an ADU permitted, to do a simple addition. So I do try to take that experience with me to the board, but I do think as my colleagues have noted you know what's in the zoning doesn't always match what's on the ground so and even the way things are counted, like to finish a basement will often trigger floor area ratios. So I think kind of the zoning reform piece is also really important to consider. Thank you.

Thank you, Chair. And I'm looking forward to voting supporting all of you and sometimes I see you on the Zoom hopefully one day we'll be back in person maybe you don't all want that but thank you for all you do

Thank you so much, Councillor Murphy. Councillor Flynn? And just so you know I've been putting time up but it's just a guide and there's no beep, so...

Thank you Madam Chair and again thank you to the The people here that will be on the board or soon be on board, want to say thank you for your leadership again in helping build our city. We may disagree on I do want to see the ZBA get back in person. I do like when people are in City Hall, I love to see people in City hall doing the job Engaging with each other. I love seeing architects here, union members and neighbors here. I like going up there and hearing the discussions and arguments Hearing the fight set, I love that.

But it also sends a message too that we want people in downtown Boston and I encourage, I see business people all the time. And I tell them it's time for you guys to get back to work. I represent most of the downtown Boston. I said we, you guys gotta get back Fill up those office buildings so we can build more. I want to see more buildings going up. There's a lot of buildings that are permitted, but I wanna see cranes in the sky. That's what I wanna say We don't necessarily see that But I just think having people back into work at City Hall, visiting the coffee shops or going out for lunch, going out to dinner does send a clear signal that we're open for business. I read through your resumes.

I listened closely to every person here, respect the work you're doing and I think you're all going to contribute greatly to the city I'm going to ask a couple questions, and I'm not going to call Alan. Alan, I'm gonna call him Coach. Is that all right? Yes sir. Okay okay okay. and respect your passion, commitment and hard work that you have demonstrated throughout your entire life. So I wanna welcome you, Alan and I know you're gonna be a tremendous asset to the zoning board. Maybe my question is And this can be for Alan, but it could also be for everybody.

Just how do you balance hearing from residents, hearing what's best for the economy, residents and business people that want to see something go forward? The proponent, how do you balance all of that to come to a decision that makes the best for the city?

I think sometimes... A lot of times, we get blueprints. We get the information we need. I listen to the butters. I take time out to listen even my kids. I listened to everybody and I have to make a decision on I think for me is what's good for the city or what's even good for butters. It's not just me making a decision, I also have to think about before I cast my decision is what's good for the city of Boston, not what's going for Alan Langham.

Anyone else? Anyone else want to weigh in or maybe I'll just ask Let me ask a question to Jean. And, Jean, respect the work you've done and I know you've been the longest member of the ZBA Knowing that you're the longest member, what type of mentorship or a type of support can you provide some of the new members that might need a little bit You know, guidance and support throughout the process. Is this something that you and Sherry are thinking about and are able to work on?

Yes, I think there have been a few sessions every year where we can't really meet We can't meet in person because of open meeting laws, we can't get together. We can just call a meeting and do training but we've encouraged ISD to hold trainings for all the members where they kind of walk through the process of zoning and we get to ask questions, and they present sort of information. And I think more of that would be helpful particularly as we sort Thank you. Thank you very much. to look at the plans, read the recommendations. We go and look in the neighborhoods.

It's nice that you can do MapQuest and all those things that get you to look and really think about it. And I spend a day before the hearings, really looking at the cases and understanding the context of the neighborhood and I think our questions help guide some of the new members' understanding of our thinking.

Excellent.

Yeah, and you know, I mean, I work closely with the commissioner and staff and certainly when there are There are individuals considering participation as a member. I make myself available, I'm happy to meet with them. I've chatted with several who are now before you and or decided not to because they realized, okay it might be a bit too heavy lift. I also encourage watching past hearings. They're all available online A whole array of decision-making and process through that as well. And like Jean said, just observing live meetings as they're happening because you can see everything that's going on in our live process.

Thank you. Madam Chair, may I ask one more question?

Of course.

Okay. And before I ask a question, I do want to recognize the young people that are here. I think they're brought in by Councilor Brian Worrell Power Corps. So we want to say thank you to these young people, young adults for outstanding leadership in the city as well. My final question would be maybe to Sherry or to Jane, or whoever would like to answer it. And Sherry knows this as well as I do. Probably the issue I focus most on As a city councilor's language and communication access, I think it's critical in this city to communicate not just in English but in so many other languages. I represent a large Cantonese-speaking community. Represent a large Spanish speaking community as well on the south end. Can you talk to me about

And this is for anyone that wants to answer. Can you talk to me about how important language and communication access is to the Zoning Board of Appeals? In what steps are you taking to ensure that residents that don't speak English are also included in the discussion and that their voice is heard and respected.

Yeah, that's a great question. We don't end up seeing that many cases where The language part is needed, but when we do it's critical that it's appropriately applied. Because we don't know until the cases before us that someone needs an interpreter and so the staff does, We can coordinate on that front. I've suggested, and to be honest, I don't know where it stands right now but I've suggest simultaneous translation when interpretation is needed because as you know Thank you very much. The applicant and any commenters, you know, any residents can be heard.

I think the challenge is for the staff they only know about the applicant They know if there's an applicant who needs it. There is no way for them to know if a resident needs it unless they request it in advance of the meeting, so if someone just popped on that they're not currently equipped to deal with it. But no one has popped on recently, but you know, just to say.

Is there a way though if you're watching it on television, cable television that and if your Spanish speaking person Can the text down at the bottom of the television screen, can the text be in Spanish or could the text being Chinese or another language?

So this is while it's live streamed?

Yeah, just so people are able to understand. We think of... You know, the Spanish speaking communities throughout the entire city. So they might be interested in watching the whole discussion and maybe they can't because of that language barrier But I'm not saying we need a decision now, but I'm just saying is this something we could work on down the road?

I just wanted to say to Councillor Flynn it's I do think that is a setting on Zoom. I don't know if everyone has that activated or how that's, I know at the beginning of a lot of planning department hearings they have that option to You know, you can hit that setting. That's something that we can look into and get you an answer on but go ahead Sherry.

I mean, I was gonna really say we can't answer that question. That is really a staff question whether there's capacity to do so because the button that you're talking about assumes that we know Interpretation is needed, and so there is an interpreter available to do it. So I mean if there's no one in the back end that's going to be doing the Spanish or Chinese You're pressing to nobody.

Yeah, and technology has really improved in that respect in the sense that a lot of people have add-ons that they can add on to their own technology in order to do translation. And I know that is beneficial to a lot of folks in my district. They have certain applications on their computers and on their phones that do that simultaneously, almost like Google beta, the beginning of that how you could Babel, you could talk to your phone and then it would translate. So there are a lot of technologies. Councilor Flynn we will look into that and thank you for that question. Do you have any more questions?

No just I'll make the final point I worked with the BRA, BPDA when the BRA didn't have any Cantonese speaking and many other people that were able to communicate, but I worked with the BRA and BPDA to ensure that language and communication access was critical. And one of things I did and I have respect for all of the community organizations in Chinatown, but I made sure that the development team would speak before the Chinatoun Residents Association because That group, the Chinatown Residents Association, predominantly the entire conversation is in Cantonese. And the people that come to that meeting are obviously Cantonese speaking

So that system works well. I'm just thinking out loud, I want to make sure all of my constituents are heard during the process and again we'll continue to work with the ZBA to see if we can make improvements on language and communication access. Madam Chair, thank you for giving me an extra couple of minutes to go over them.

Of course. Thank you so much. that you all have served with distinction. I'm really grateful for all that you do. So one theme of the conversation that we had is that if we fix the zoning code, Potentially, some of the cases that come before you would be unnecessary which I think is very important in certain respects. And just wanted to say regarding I'm extremely passionate about accessory dwelling units, though very few would probably be permitted in District 8 where I represent the West End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Fenway and Mission There's really not a lot, but there are a lot of unlegalized apartments that might be able to be legalized with certain zoning reforms. And I know however controversial

One of the zoning amendments that is before our committee right now is to eliminate parking requirements for new residential development, for all new residential developments throughout the city. That obviously, you know we had talked to a lot of different lawyers and folks in the development community There was a conversation about whether it should be closer transit or everywhere. And the reason that we ended up deciding to do it is because places that are less close to transit, are more likely to have space for ADUs. So essentially if We're making individual residents in order to create an ADU fight through a process, which they're going to have to fight through some sort of process. And we're requiring a parking space

for that accessory dwelling unit, that is going to slow down the process. And it's just interesting Obviously, it's still pending in our committee. And you are not the zoning commission so I won't ask you to weigh in on that proposal but I think it's really important to read into The significant impacts a proposal like that could have on making accessory dwelling units possible. and I think legalizing apartments, you know, attics that have a kitchen and a bathroom in the second egress. Otherwise, you'd have to weigh it on that as well so But just really grateful for everything that you guys do every day and all the cases. I mean, to hear Giovanni, you're just one member but to hear oh, you reviewed 4,000 Did you say 4,000 cases?

I said about a thousand per year.

Thousand per year, yeah. So that's pretty impressive and you just think about all the work that goes into that on the back end as well so I want to thank all the staff that works with the ZBA and so we are going to move on to our next panel. Do you guys have any other comments that you'd like to make before we move onto the next panel?

Yes, I have one small question. I'm surprised I didn't say it the other day It's a real honor to be on the ZBA board, but it's an honor to work with these people here. It's great. I'm learning a lot and I just thank the opportunity to work

Thank you so much. And yeah, it seems like you guys are really... It's actually nice for you two guys to be together in person and that's one thing that we're all agreeing on. It's really nice to see you in person because we're usually seeing you on a Zoom screen. Giovanni?

Madam Sheriff, I can take a minute. I want to make a comment about Councilor Flynn's question about interpretation. I didn't speak any English when I came to Boston and for many years I didn' participate in almost anything because first of all I couldn't understand. Finally, when I was able to understand, I didn't feel comfortable speaking I'm practicing my Boston accent now, Councilor. It's getting there. But what I can tell you is this. If I remember correctly over the last four years we have had maybe five, six cases that require interpretation That tells me that we have to do something better as a society, to ensure that every person who doesn't speak English or is not comfortable with their English level has access to the meetings, to the materials and that they come to hearings.

That tenants feel empowered to participate because sometimes the perception is that only homeowners have the power to weigh in on projects Of course, our interpretation is a technical detail that staff can figure it out on Zoom as Councilor Durkan was mentioning. There is a bottom that you can hear in different languages but if people don't come To the hearings, they are not going to be able to understand or participate. I think this is for the city of Boston and the City Council to tell your constituents that they have a voice Regardless of their language skills or income status, they have the right to participate and they should.

Thank you so much, Giovanni. And I know I went to a Squares and Streets meeting. It was actually Chief at the time Arthur Jemison and Mayor Wu. And the person who is emceeing was Jose Masso Senior and he asked folks to raise their hand if they were a homeowner, he asked them to raise our hand if there were business owner. If they were white, if they're a person of color, if there are a business owner, if He did that. It was a very powerful demonstration of who comes to public meetings, and it really changed my perspective Thank you for joining us today. and when he asked who was a homeowner, everyone raised their hand. And there were very few renters in the room to talk about squares and streets at something that would really impact a lot of renters

and a lot of business owners. Squares & Streets was all about Main Streets and businesses, so it was very impactful on me as an elected official making sure that we are I know that work is underway and it's incredibly important, but I'm grateful to Thank you all for hearing all the testimony, weighing it, listening to us as well when we're coming before you. and so I want to relieve this panel, and then we'll go to the new appointees. And so I'll give you a second. I'm going to go ahead and read through those. So Carla, Patrick and William if you'd like to come. And I just want to thank you all for your leadership and your service to the city. Thank you

And for Patrick, not to embarrass you, I'm going to read a letter on behalf of the Building Trades Union that was sent to the mayor. Dear Mayor Wu, On behalf of The Building Trads Employers Association I am writing under Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, Section 8 to submit a letter of recommendation for Patrick Walsh Business Manage Financial Secretary of the Massachusetts Laborers District Council Local 223 For the vacant alternate seat of the Zoning Board of Appeals, The Massachusetts Labor District Council Local 223 is located at 12A Everdeen Street, Dorchester. Mr. Walsh became a third generation construction craft laborer when he joined the ranks of Laborers Local 223 an affiliate of LIUNA Because of his dedication and commitment to his fellow laborers, Mr. Walsh was elected the position of Sergeant at Arms for Local Union 223 and held that position for seven years until being elected to the Executive Board.

In 2024, Mr. Walsh became the business manager of Local 223. Mr.Walsh also recently elected to the Boston Labor Council Executive Board Mr. Walsh is deeply committed to our Boston community and works tirelessly on behalf of his union and the greater Boston Union trades he is admired by his peers and has always a voice for fairness and inclusion I hope this nomination meets your approval, and we appreciate your consideration for the representation given the union construction industry. Very yours truly, Thomas S. Gunning Executive Director. Just wanted to read that. They asked me to read into the record. So we'll start with Patrick, just because I gave you a great introduction. And then we'll go to Carla and William. Thank you.

PATRICK WALSH Good morning, Chair Durkan. Good morning councillors. My name is Patrick Walsh. A lifelong resident of District 3. I'm the business manager of Labor's Local 223 in Dorchester. Through that capacity, I represent all the union laborers in construction that work in the Seaport, South Boston, Dorchester, Rosendale, Roxbury, Mattapan, Hyde Park West Roxbury, and half of Chinatown in the financial district.

Everywhere but District 8 I guess.

I cover about half of the city and I cover the Boston Harbor Islands. So through that capacity, I represent people looking for fair wages, fair employment, good health benefits. I also am a parent of two children that attend Boston Public School. They attend the Elliott school a few blocks from here I am an active member in the Columbia-Savenhill Civic Association, and I am a almost lifelong Little League coach of Dorchester baseball now, which was once Savinell Little League. I also serve in capacity as a member of the board of directors for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. I sit on the Workers' Comp Advisory Council. On behalf of the Governor, I want to thank Mayor Wu and I wanna thank the Building Trades Employers Association for my recommendation for nomination

Thank you so much. And your nomination definitely highlights that based on the way that a lot of these nominations work, it's like specific organizations putting forward. We don't always... You know, disclose like who was nominated by who. But it's a very complex process and I just want to thank Mackin Bonner, who I know actually used to be in our office and now he is running boards of commissions for the city. I want to congratulate him on his first boards and commissions hearing. So now we're going to go to Carla, so good to see you.

Good morning Councilor Durkan, Councilor Flynn, and Councilor Murphy. Thank you so much for having me here today. So, I am Carla Montero. I'm a lifelong resident of Dorchester. I grew up in Fields Corner and now live closer to Morton Street. And I'm mom, I'm homeowner I'm a community advocate. I'm also a social worker, and I have served on many boards and currently serving on the Boston State Hospital Committee just became interested in the Zoning Board after having my own experience with participating in the zoning board hearings as a community member and as a member of Harvard. Community Groups, and also participating with the Mattapan Community Group. So I'll pause there.

Awesome. Thank you so much, Carla. Okay, William?

Good morning. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Nice to see you both city councilors. My name is Bill Masterson. I'm honored to be here in consideration for a nomination for the Zoning Board of Appeals also very impressed with the current members and the passion that they have for what they do as well as the experience that they bring to the board. I grew up in Walden Not too far from here, raised a family in North Andover and moved to District 1 in East Boston in 2019. My career was with the Gillette Company in Boston. for 30 years where I ran through a bunch of different disciplines, sales, finance, marketing, business development. So I have a lot of corporate experience I have a degree. I was a day student at Northeastern, commuted there for five years from Malden and I had my MBA from Suffolk University. Since graduation...

I've spent most of my time volunteering. What takes up most of my time during the day is running an urban forestry non-profit in East Boston called TreeEasty. It's all volunteer. Our mission is to plant trees, maintain the trees that are already in the ground and then educate residents on the benefits of trees. So I'm very familiar with the East Boston community. I've attended all of the civic association meetings Um, When I moved to East Boston seven years ago, it was just at the start of Plan East Boston which I think took about five years. So I was involved in that process all along the way. I've always had an interest in development I'm on top of what's happening with BBDA. I'm in it, on their newsletter and kind of keep my fingers on what's happened with development throughout the city of Boston. It's just an area of interest for me which has been really cool

I've sat on two IAGs in East Boston at 6 Chelsea Street, which was just a couple of months ago as well as the lodge complex that's going under development right now in Days Square. The Condo Association. The condo where I live is an 80-unit building, so I've got some experience there as well. But the work that I do with trees is very important to me. Very much passionate about the environment. I received an award last year from Mayor Wu, an individual award for a climate achievement award for the work that I've done. I participated in the Climate Action Plan reveal in LaPresti Park This past April, so a lot of my focus is really on doing that work. I have to have a reason to get out of bed in the morning, so that's why I stay busy doing that type of civic work. When I was living in North Andover, I was a member of several boards, nonprofit boards there as well.

So I've got a fair amount of board experience as well

Thank you, William. And I know your game because people who say they're retired are never retired. They're always like the busiest people I've ever met so Thank you for all that you do. And just given your work with climate and your reputation precedes you with all the trees, So I've been following Tree Eastie, and we actually have our own weed tree in West End that is doing great similar work. And I don't know if you've been able to- I do know them. Yeah, work with them. Can you describe your philosophy on zoning and land use in Boston, particularly in light of the city's housing affordability and climate resilience goals?

Well, I mean, like I said, I put climate very high on the top of the list. But that just doesn't always come into play with zoning requirements. I have to take each case on a case-by-case basis in terms of how it's presented at the meetings. I try to separate the person from the problem, so It's not because the way that somebody is presenting I might not like, but it's really the facts that you need to base your decisions on. And so looking at it through that lens, I think will help me be able to be a good member and make the right decisions but like I said it definitely is on a case-by-case basis. I wish I had some, I have attended the virtual meetings before so I kind of know the process Wish I had a little bit more experience to be able to answer the question more intelligently, but I think it's one of these things that I'll learn more as I go along.

No, I think its really helpful to have had the experience of working on a neighborhood plan because then you're sort of like figuring out You know, okay these are the concepts. I mean you seem like you've done a lot in this respect. Would either of you like to answer that question? And I can say it again. How would you describe your philosophy on zoning and land use in Boston, particularly in light of the city's housing affordability and climate resilience goals?

I think for me through my lived experience of living in underserved communities that is often forgotten. And when it comes to climate change or anything related to climate or environmental issues, I would look at it through that lens of our lived experience of having less tree canopy and Also, there's certain neighborhoods where there's trees that are going up that people in the neighborhoods are not considered. I'm an asthmatic so that's something that I always think about in terms of what can trigger allergies. I'm called the triad, which is asthma, eczema and allergies. And that is the case for many people living in Boston. I would also take into consideration through my own personal experiences.

That is so interesting because having, I represent Mission Hill and I went through a walk with the mission main tenant task force There was some money left in the budget at the end of the year, so they were figuring out where do we put and I know once the sidewalk started People were like, what's going in here? What's the plan? What type of trees? How long until they reach the full canopy? So I actually did a walk with the Mission Maintenance Task Force with our urban forestry, you know Todd Mistore who does such a great job. But it was like a little bit of describing like this is what this tree will be in 10 years. It was like looking at and so forth. And it was in a community that had never gotten 25 new trees,

So it was like those conversations are so important and not necessarily relevant exactly to the individual decisions. But again, you're reviewing a lot of projects that have a lot and following the development process is incredibly important in that. And I have a friend who has that triad as well, and it's never easy. She's also allergic to seafood. So it's just like she has a really tough time. So I know exactly what you're and I know Patrick you're coming at this more from the sort of Union Labor Lens. Can you tell us more about how you feel? Obviously, there's a lot of great jobs coming with climate resilience and other things, and just curious sort of your lens on that. Yes.

So my lens on it is, it definitely does have to be taken case by case basis. I happen to live in one of the most affected areas of Boston in climate change. I live in Savin Hill and I work at the corner of Freeport and Marcy Boulevard Three days a week I need to take a different route to work because Marcy Boulevard is flooded, right? Rising sea levels. I do think it needs to be case by case I think a development on Marcy Boulevard needs to be looked at a little bit more than a development that you're going to put at the top of a hill on climate, on sea level stuff.

Is it flooded today with the rain?

I came into town early enough and came down Dot Ave through and down 8th Street. It's typically flooded every day at high tide. But at the same time, it is a problem. I do like what I see on the seaport with some of the development on the sea port with the rising seawalls I sit on the MWRA board so I see what's affected over there. and it is a problem. It's a problem in the city, and it's a everywhere, and needs to be looked at on a case-by-case basis what zoning relief a particular project needs

Yeah, thank you so much. And I want to give a chance for my colleagues to ask any questions that they have. These are obviously new appointees and so just want to make sure that we kind of understand where you're coming from and it sounds like the three of you Just one so qualified. Two, coming from different perspectives which is always very important to bring together and three have the lived experience of living in the city and three different perspectives of coming to the city, moving here, working here, being an executive here. It's lots of different experience and obviously the union leadership. Murphy, and so it's great to see you all. And thank you I look forward to moving forward your three nominations at our next meeting. And Councilor Murphy and Councillor Flynn let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you for being here, thank you for sharing your stories. I think it highlights the human side that's so important in government and all of these important roles even us as elected officials and the policy is never far away from the human impact. So your lived experiences bring, I think a different lens. I know we just saw the first panel who will be reappointed to also Thank you. We're going to be hearing voices. And when people go in front of the zoning board, like you said, you've been in front it as owning a three-family property and wanting something probably simple I just had a conversation too that many people are intimidated by the zoning board and

They either spend money they shouldn't need to on legal support or consulting because they're afraid to put forth something that should be a simple pass, and other times obviously bigger projects need that. I do think the important part and something that I think is important in my role too, is people need to trust you. People need to know that they can come and ask you questions and that they'll be treated fairly. And I know that all three of you will bring that with your Experience, and thank you for planting trees in East Boston. I spend a lot of time there. Every part of the city, I know Council Flynn will probably have some comments about that because Chinatown is highly impacted, but like you said Carlo that we have to make sure that what we're allowing to be built isn't just Making sure we're housing people and that there's businesses that were also thinking about our future and what impact it has.

And you'll continue to make sure that there is open spaces and that balance is necessary. Pat, thank you always. I know my daughter is privileged, I say it's an honor to be a teacher to your kids and so you do leave. I that school and all things city. So thank you all for putting your names forward, and looking forward to voting in favor.

Thank you, Chair. CHRISTIE WOODARD- Thank you so much, Councilor Murphy.

Thank you Madam Chair and thank you to the three nominees Bill, Carla and Patrick not just for coming forward for the Zoning Board but for the incredible leadership you all provide in helping build a stronger and better Boston. And Bill, I respect the work you're doing and especially in East Boston on tree canopy issues, as Councilor Murphy mentioned. That's an issue I've been focused on in Chinatown. We have the lowest tree canopy in this city but I'm working to get more trees there and I know Carla you mentioned as a social worker, but you also highlighted the asthma rates of many neighborhoods

And that's also part of the process of looking at how we move forward in building a stronger Boston. I also want to acknowledge Patrick, who I have tremendous respect for and his family for a lot of years, not just on labor issues but really advocating for social and economic justice for all people. So I want to say thank you to all three of you. Let me start with Carla and respect the work you do as a social worker, and the training that you've had. But knowing many neighborhoods have high Asma Rates, Respiratory Rates. And Bill knows this also and Patrick does too.

But how do you factor in how a building might be built whether it's materials the location Any changes, upgrades, HVAC systems? And I'll ask all of you. But how do you factor that in knowing that this neighborhood might be in a high, in a neighborhood with the high concentration of asthma or respiratory issues.

So I'm not really that familiar with building materials, but I do think that it's something that has to be considered. And I think community input is important because everyone has a different type of allergy for different things and so I think that that's something to really think about. And I know you've been advocating a lot about, you know, a lot of the certain neighborhoods with like mice and things like that. And so those things we are allergic to mice, you We have to consider what's going up, how condensed the areas are. Is there space to put trash cans out? All of those things need to be considered because it affects us all in different ways I think that, you know especially in my community where the air quality is poor and life expectancy decreases in our neighborhoods like I walk at Castle Island or

I walk in other neighborhoods and I can feel in my lungs the difference between walking over there and walking on Blue Hill Ave. And in my community, and so I think that those are things that are extremely important for us to consider but again it's You know, every individual has a slightly different kind of allergy or it may impact them more. The cats affect me more and you know my Thank you for joining us. Also, being a Boston Public School student and the lack of ventilation there, hot summer days, no AC, all of those things affect us as well. So just wanted to highlight those things.

Thank you, Kamala.

Yeah, I mean childhood asthma is a big, big concern. East Boston has one of the highest childhood asthma rates in the state. Logan Airport doesn't help being right next door. I don't think we're going to see the mass port in front of the ZBA, but I mean, other projects that you weigh a decision in terms of whether you want to move forward on them or not are going to be different. We have a project in front of us that's a small project that doesn't have an opportunity to be able to install the right type of HEPA filters. That's going to be different from a larger project Some filtering can improve the quality of air that the residents are going to be breathing. We go back to trees again. I mean, trees are known to be able to sequester carbon and help with asthma-related issues. So, it's not a big ask for these developers to plant a tree in front of their units.

I've worked with developers in East Boston and now they're attorneys basically before Neighborhood Associations know that I'm going to be asking the question, can we fit a tree on the sidewalk? And it happens most of the time because it's a rounding error. The size of the budgets for some of these developments to plant a tree is going to cost $1,000, couple thousand dollars. I would be advocating for trees. I have done so in ZBA meetings before that, for developments in East Boston where I knew that there was development that was on the books and are on the agenda that potentially could fit a street tree. And it's an easy ask because most of the time, the sidewalks are dug up anyway for utilities. To put in a couple of tree pits is not a big ask. So that's one way I think we can address helping to improve the asthma, childhood asthma level in East Boston and throughout the city. I'll be advocating for that in every neighborhood.

Yeah, so green space number one is probably the biggest priority Thank you, Mr. Mayor. and many more. Thank you. and for the most part, the Massachusetts building code is very good for the actual breathing and respiratory health of children and people in general.

No thank you Bill, thank you Collar Patrick, I do sometimes focus a lot of my attention on environmental justice issues and I'm glad to know that you have You take this as seriously as well, and I know that's part of the discussion is the impact development has on the environment. One of the reasons I highlighted it, not just because Chinatown has one of the highest asthma rates of any neighborhood in this state really along with Roxbury. But I was exposed when I was in the military to an area where we were breathing in toxic fumes.

And before I left, I didn't have asthma and when I came back, I had asthma But I do know that it impacts especially young people in communities of color in Boston. and I do spend a lot of time on public health. But let me just ask one final question, if I may Madam Chair to all three. Just tell me what your general philosophy might be In terms of balancing community input, balancing business input, Balancing environmental input. Balancing what's best for the city, What's best to the neighborhood What's Best for the Economy. How will you factor all of those into your decision? What is your general philosophy about how How you can move forward with the decision knowing all of those segments are important.

Yeah, I view the rule almost like a judge. You basically have to sit and listen and understand with the purpose of understanding what somebody's trying to say and way to the best of your ability, given the facts, weigh what the right decision would be. So again it's on a case by case basis but You just have to really keep your ears open and take into consideration what each party has to say.

Yeah, so as far as myself in my day job I happen to have to not so much with zoning. I have to do this a lot in different aspects right? So you may involve a problem on the jobsite and Six different people telling you what's going on, right? So say on a project, you would have the homeowner. You would have person applying for zoning relief. You will have their direct abutters. You'll have non-direct abutter in the neighborhood. You'd have civic association. Maybe a developer down the street that's looking to develop a project as well. You do have to take all the facts into effect and you need and many more. You have to make the vote as what's best for the community, as a whole. What's best of the city? And what's what's better for the abutters? I mean it's not every project is different right and

It might be six inches of zoning relief on height, or it might be something major. It might 40 feet of zoning relieve on height. So every project is different just because it's not always the same cookie cutter project.

I think, I want to add a little bit about what Councilor Murphy had asked earlier about the involvement of ONS in these processes and things like that. I think in my experience, I have sat in on community meetings where the project directly impacted me. The homeowner developer came into and, you know, just appeared and was filing for a variance to build in my what I thought was my land. And so I sat in that meeting quietly listening to my neighbors to see what their feedback was first before sharing This directly impacted me because I wanted to see what their thoughts were. But also been part of conversations with my neighbors where they're worried about a unit going up or as small as four or 12 units, and they're worried about parking. And I'm taking into consideration the families or the people with intellectual disabilities that need housing. And so, that's the way that I view things.

I also think about the neighbors who are already there how that impacts them but also the businesses and the communities and, you know, institutions and developers that are investing in them as well. And so I think that that's how I would approach it. As a social worker and as a researcher, I like to gather all information so that I can make an informed decision But also just thinking about how sometimes people have personal interests that may not be the best for all community members. And I know that we can't Support and support all community members. And not everyone's always going to be happy with decisions that are made, but just trying to make an informed enough decision that we're considering everyone who is involved and what their perspectives is on those things.

Well, just want to say thank you to all three. I know you'll do a tremendous job on the zoning board and want to Outstanding appointments, looking forward to working with you again. I just want to say thank you for your ongoing commitment to the residents of Boston. Thank You Madam Chair.

Thank you so much Councilor Flynn. Last night, Councilor Weber and I hosted a joint office hour in Mission Hill because He represents the back of Mission Hill, and I represent the majority of Mission Hell. And it was a very interesting conversation. One thing that came up was that the lack It's often hard for residents to see that part of the reason their property taxes are going up is there hasn't been a lot of new housing development built. So it was an interesting conversation because I think it's an important thing to connect is like obviously we sought relief at the state senate and we failed. and many more. One thing that is really important for people to The point of building new housing is to create that new housing. That's the benefit of the housing, is creating that new houseing and then sometimes the benefit

and obviously every year it's compounding. You know, taxes are going up for homeowners so I think that approving new housing is a really important part of that equation that doesn't often get its necessary due because The majority of homeowners would benefit if new housing is brought online. And so I just want to read that into the record and also share that with you as folks who will be You know, charged with considering whether to allow for certain variances. Obviously representing the West End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay Fenway, Mission Hill. We have very different objectives like in the Fenway we're getting some of the biggest variances that exist within the city in terms of height and FAR and then in Beacon Hill and Back Bay which are both historic landmarked you know communities we have a very different experience of you know

We could be talking about one unit and it's the same level and detailed conversation as a variance that's happening in the Fenway for and that's what you guys will all be sort of dealing with is yeah, there's things that are very important to people that are small. And they're things that and the city that are big. And so I just want to thank you for stepping up to serve because it is, it will not, you know, it's not easy to make yourself free all the time for all of these meetings but you are the community members that we're going to trust with this new role. So just want to thank you all for stepping forward and we look forward to moving forward your nominations at the next meeting. So you've been nominated and then the City Council has the role of approving your nomination. So with that, do you all have any last comments that you'd like to make?

I just realized, I didn't finish my thought on council work. What I mentioned in terms of the ONS. So I just wanted to add that during those meetings that we had in our community meetings All of, many of my neighbors and our neighborhood association had opposed the project that was going up. And ONS had taken the stance of supporting that project so I just wanted to say that I've had that experience as a Community Member. So sorry, I sometimes don't finish my whole thoughts so I wanted to say that but also we just wanted to thank you all for having us here today and for your support and listening and for thoughtful questions so thank you.

Thank you so much And would you like to say anything? Oh, sorry.

I just had a quick question to kind of distinguish between. I believe that there's a term alternate that is associated with so Can you explain the difference between alternate? Yeah.

So, um, you would be charged to sit on a meeting if there wasn't quorum essentially but also you can sit in on any of the meetings so often times you-you-you can You know, you can be there. I don't know how much you can involve yourself in the conversation that's up to the chair but I do think that it's really important that we have alternates. When we started with this committee, most of the boards and commissions that we oversee in this We're having quorum issues, and that's why I have actually been charged. And I've tried to do a really good job of like when these come in We deal with these within two months. But again, there's a large backlog. People get nominated and like I described with Patrick's nomination and many more. It is very complicated, every single board and commission is created on a different structure.

and so that's why I actually read into the record, the letter that your union sent because it's really important that people understand you know these might be the mayor's nominations but she's choosing from a list that a lot of organizations provide and it's different on every single board and commission, I also deal with the architectural commissions. And it might be that you know, the mayor gets four choices and she picks gets to pick two out of those for that organization provides some of that state Flynn, and some of its local. And it's been very interesting. I actually serve as a trustee on the Boston Groundwater Trust when Councilor Flynn was president He gave me that seat on the Groundwater Trust because a lot of my district is, you know and a lot his district is that on wood pilings. So and that was in I think a state law

and the City Council President. So it's all very complicated, but you have a very important role to play. And the way that this is all set up can be We've done a really good job in this committee of trying to move forward the nominations so that you don't have quorum issues, but the alternate steps in when there is quorum issue. So it's important to familiarize yourself with all the decisions being made because you may be called too. And then when there is a, there may be an opening for... When people retire or when their term is up, often there have been a couple where someone has served as an alternate for a number of years and then they move up to actually sitting on the ZBA. So grateful to all of you for stepping forward.

This is just the very beginning, but you guys have all have a storied history of your leadership in the city and your experience in the City so I just want to thank you all for your leadership And so with that, we have no public testimony. So with that dockets 1515 through 1524 this hearing is adjourned.