I am writing to express my strong support for Lin Jensen and Bob Creech, two candidates running for Planning Board.
Lexington faces important decisions and long-term impacts regarding development, housing and sustainability. At the same time, we should strive to maintain the qualities that make our community such a special place to live and thrive. While all of the candidates currently running for Planning Board support the need for diversified housing inventory, Lin Jensen and Bob Creech both understand the importance of thoughtful planning, smart growth, environmental stewardship, and transparency with residents.
Many residents were unaware of zoning changes taking place in Lexington under the MBTA Communities Act which led to concern and frustration as aggressive zoning decisions were made and approved. Although increasing accessibility and affordability are important aspects of Lexington’s goals outlined in the town’s Comprehensive Plan, the original MBTA Communities bylaws failed to protect the town’s ability to modulate the rate and scope of dense housing developments — something that could have happened in March 2023’s vote if the McKenna amendment to Article 34 had passed.
In the March 2025 Annual Town Meeting, Lin Jensen and Bob Creech both supported Article 2 to improve the MBTA Communities bylaw, which allowed the town to slow down the rush of dense development projects and gain better influence over projects. The current third Planning Board candidate and Town Meeting Member, Kunal Botla, voted against Article 2. In addition, Botla was a member of the amendment group attempting to put Lexington Center back into the MBTA bylaw which, thankfully, Town Meeting rejected.
As Lexington enters a new era of development, we need experienced and analytical Planning Board members who can assess and guide projects, are receptive to resident concerns/input and are transparent when it comes to zoning and development decisions that impact our neighbors and neighborhoods.
Please join me with your vote of support for Lin Jensen and Bob Creech for Planning Board.
Rena Maliszewski, Precinct 3
