Kunal Botla

I am excited to announce my candidacy for Lexington’s Planning Board.

I am running to bring my architectural, transportation, and urban planning knowledge into Lexington’s zoning. As a third-year architecture and planning student at Tufts University and a designer, I’m the only candidate with an architecture and planning background, with both educational and professional experience. I will bring the skills I have learned to the Planning Board, along with a dedication to transparency, community engagement, and thoughtful fiscal impact analysis. Thanks to my background and regular attendance at Planning Board meetings, I deeply understand the complexities of zoning policy.

I am committed to public service and deeply invested in our community. I’ve called Lexington my home for over 10 years, and I serve as chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee and Town Meeting Member for Precinct 4.

On the Committee, I have advanced practical, resident-focused solutions. Improvements include the $20 annual “Limitless Lexpress” bus pass and improved MBTA bus service, including Sunday and evening service. As chair, I have led the Committee’s efforts to reduce the traffic impacts of new developments, resulting in agreements with developers to install bus shelters, fund a shared Alewife shuttle, and contribute to the town’s transportation fund.

As a Town Meeting Member, I understand that Lexington’s unique, historical character requires a thoughtful approach to balance growth with preservation. This calls for more tailored regulation than simple state defaults, and should be unique to Lexington’s specific needs.

My goals include:

  • Supporting economic development to reduce the residential tax burden.
  • Improving housing affordability and encouraging smaller units.
  • Ensuring that the best design principles are used on new developments.
  • Reducing the effects of climate change using zoning regulation.

My voting history reflects the value of my zoning knowledge. I voted No on Article 2 last year because I understood that wealthy, large landowners could submit zoning freezes, which could speed up the development of properties.

I will bring my contemporary educational training, track record of achieving results, and nuanced decision making to the Planning Board. With my understanding of both the impacts of Lexington’s zoning decisions and data-based, creative approaches to achieving our goals, I will help the Planning Board develop a transparent, thoughtful long-term plan. This plan would reflect community engagement, considering all the issues for all of our residents. 

Please visit my website at votekunal.com to learn more.

Thank you,
Kunal Botla

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