The Lexington Cluster Housing Study Group endorses Michael Schanbacher and Melanie Thompson for Planning Board re-election because it is vital that we continue to advance the goal of making Lexington an equitable, sustainable, and welcoming place to live. As housing advocates and Town Meeting members, we have seen in detail how Melanie and Michael meet the challenge of creating and interpreting zoning policy. They have thoughtfully balanced Lexington’s overarching, progressive goals — as defined in our Comprehensive Plan — with the specific concerns residents raise about how policies might affect them. Most notably they worked as Planning Board members to develop Lexington’s forward-thinking rezoning in compliance with the state’s MBTA Communities law. Through their participation in public hearings to refine the proposed bylaw and subsequent hearings to address regulations for multifamily housing more generally, they have worked to develop policies that are a good fit for Lexington. We need their continued leadership to support these policies’ implementation.

Both Michael and Melanie bring important experience to the table. Michael, a registered architect, is the only design professional on the Planning Board, which is an asset in interpreting site plans and other design documents. Melanie has a deep understanding of the importance of community engagement and inclusivity. She has been appointed or elected to many committees and task forces to further these aims, particularly in support of sensible housing policy.

While some refinement of zoning policies may eventually need to occur, we should all be skeptical of suggestions to dilute these policies in advance of any experience with their implementation. We believe the current composition of the Planning Board is well suited to address the problems we face both locally and regionally. Re-electing Michael Schanbacher and Melanie Thompson will allow Lexington to be part of the solution, and to realize the values we as a town have consistently expressed. 

Lexington Cluster Housing Study Group (Barbara Katzenberg, Jay Luker, Tom Shiple)

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