Transportation
I have worked closely with DPW, the Planning Department, and fellow councilors to successfully implement transportation improvements including stop signs at dangerous intersections. I also strongly advocated for the redesign of the Auburn Street/Commonwealth Avenue intersection and the upgrade of Hammond Pond Parkway, both of which will include a multi-use path, upgraded pedestrian crossings and safer roadway design for all users.
I have been a strong advocate for upgrading MBTA stations and expanding MBTA service. Reliable, fast and convenient public transportation is critical if as a city and a region are to meet climate goals, support economic resiliency and growth, build much-needed housing, and enable our communities to become more equitable.
Local Businesses
I have worked hard to support our struggling restaurants by meeting for months with city departments to remove the many roadblocks to expanding outdoor dining spaces. I also organized volunteers to beautify the spaces.
Maybe you read the Boston Globe article on my adopt-a-pot program? I also worked with Councilor Noel to make several of the restaurants more accessible.
Schools
As a member of the School Transportation Working Group, I was able to push for critical traffic flow improvements near schools, making it easier and safer for students to return to in-person learning. I also strongly supported the expansion of Oak Hill Middle School and restarting the school buildings renovation process, including projects for Countryside, Lincoln-Eliot, Horace Mann and the Newton Early Childhood Education Program.
Housing
As a Councilor I’m here for all Newton residents. I was a strong advocate for using Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to support a program that has helped 300+ low-income families in Newton affected by the COVID crisis to stay in their homes and for increasing the number of deeply affordable units at Riverside. I have also encouraged developers of smaller projects to make units more accessible for those with mobility issues when possible. I am a strong supporter of the important work of the Fair Housing Committee.
Open Space and Climate
As a member of the Land Use Committee, I push for construction projects to be greener and more walkable and bikeable. I strongly support efforts to require new buildings to be 100% electric. I was appointed to be the City Council representative to the Climate Action Plan Implementation Group and I’ve started a Pollinators Working Group to protect and expand Newton’s pollinator population. I support increasing investment in our open spaces, parks and playgrounds.