I am writing to voice my support of Lin Jensen and Bob Creech for the Planning Board.
Lexington is facing rapid growth with the passing of the MBTA housing bylaw, the excessive acreage set aside for high density housing in 2023 had the capacity to produce 13,000 units — more than 10 times what the state required!
Thankfully Lin Jensen and Bob Creech both supported Article 2 last year to scale back the zoning, and it passed by 95% at Town Meeting. However, the third Planning Board candidate, Kunal Botla, a junior college student at Tufts University, was 1 of 9 Town Meeting Members to vote “no.”
Some would say that Article 2 is just 1 vote from a candidate — but that vote was monumental, and the “no” vote of Mr. Botla and the continued adherence to his stance indicates that Mr. Botla thinks more and more development at all costs is acceptable for the residents of Lexington.
Lin Jensen and Bob Creech knew that this rate of rapid growth has the potential for serious impact on town services, school budgets, traffic, and infrastructure because they are experienced and big picture thinkers.
We need experienced, common sense Planning Board members, ones who take into account all aspects of the planning process and how planning decisions impact all facets of life for current and future residents of Lexington. We need board members that consider the implications of additional housing on the town resources, and smart sustainable growth. It’s absolutely clear that Lin Jensen and Bob Creech are by far the best choice for the Planning Board.
Bob and Lin have a solid background in town in various community positions, including Town Meeting. Bob has been on the planning board since 2017 and has demonstrated thorough understanding of the environmental issues and a willingness to listen respectfully. Bob excels in thorough, methodical preparation prior to hearings and asks thoughtful questions.
Lin brings experience in smart, sustainable growth and a balanced approach to the planning needs of Lexington. She’s also co-authored 9 amendments in zoning and sustainability. She understands that we need housing that keeps empty nesters in town by giving them access to affordable smaller dwellings.
Being a Planning Board Member is not a “starter job,” it requires experience and big picture thinking — not a unidimensional focus on just building more housing. Please join me on Monday, March 2nd in voting for Lin Jensen and Bob Creech for Planning Board.
Elisabeth Piquet, Precinct 7
I totally agree with Elisabeth about Planning Board responsibilities not being a ‘starter job’ and I would never want to vote for someone who has a unidimensional focus on just building more housing. Who are you talking about?
Kunal’s platform is about (1) shift the tax burden from residents thru economic development (2) make Lexington more walkable and accessible (3) improving housing affordability (4) keeping Lexington green. I like his plan. I’m voting for Kunal.