As published in the Watertown News, April 2, 2024
So many Watertown residents are frustrated by the housing shortage, squeezed by rising rents, and worried about the consequences of failing to meet our urgent housing needs. This week, you have a chance to meaningfully address the housing crisis in our city.
Housing for All Watertown invites pro-housing residents to join us at the Watertown Square Area Plan public forum this Thursday, April 4th, 6:30 p.m. at 66 Galen St., to advocate for a plan that makes more new housing possible for everyone.
Housing for All Watertown is an independent, grassroots group of residents seeking solutions to current housing challenges in order to improve the quality of life for current and future residents. We support all types of new housing to meet the many different needs of our diverse community, from new market-rate projects to public housing expansion.
Included in the Watertown Square redesign process is a revision of the Square’s zoning code. This zoning revision is our best opportunity to encourage less costly, public transit-oriented, environmentally sustainable housing in the heart of the city we love.
Zoning dictates what is possible. If we want more 100% affordable projects, more senior housing, and more market-rate development — all of which are needed to meet the challenges of the housing crisis — we first have to make them possible through our zoning code. That’s why we support new zoning standards that will prioritize affordability while making the Square a walkable and vibrant neighborhood.
Watertown has long been a regional leader, from our green building standards to our universal free preschool initiative. Let’s continue that leadership now on housing. Let’s pursue an effective, efficient, forward-looking zoning code that will have a meaningful, long-lasting, positive impact—and ensure that we are making plans today for the future we want together.
We hope you’ll join us at the Watertown Square Area Plan public forum this Thursday, April 4th, 6:30 p.m. at 66 Galen St. Together, we can build a future of abundant housing options for people at every income level and every stage of life.
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